MUSIC FOR SHARKS

The fact that each listener derives his or her own enjoyment - or otherwise - from a piece of music is what helps deliver and support the diversity from which we all benefit - everything can only ever be judged on the basis of our own sense impressions. But it is difficult to see how anyone could pick holes in this stupendous offering - it's an absolute gem from start to finish, packed with wondrous guitar breaks, sweeping keys, sympathetic bass and drums, and top-notch vocals. The songs build and soar and dive and cascade like swarms of golden birds around silver fountains. Not a duff or "filler" track within a thousand miles.

Let's not be precious about the past and keep cleverly identifying who may have been influenced by which band or bands from yesteryear. We could all play this nodding game...but who really cares? Just take music at face value, as it is, here and now, and judge it on its own merits. And, by any dispassionate yardstick, this CD is simply fantastic. Ignore it if you prefer, but how much more rewarding it would be to give it a listen - it even puts Mirror of Insanity firmly in the shade, and that alone speaks volumes.

Whilst not quite meriting the award of 5 stars - since I must reserve such a score for the truly exceptional - this is nevertheless verging on (neo-prog) perfection and scores at the very upper end of the 4 star category. Excellent stuff.