THE ROBBERY OF MURDER

Upon first listening, I was distinctly unimpressed with this offering - a heart-rending concept but lacking absolutely any symphonic elements (bar the concluding track Epilogue), far too much guitar-driven AOR for my liking , and generally juvenile lyrics. But, reluctant to admit to having made a bad purchase, I persevered and persevered some more...until, finally, the waters broke, and there was life after death, and it was good. The CD moves effortlessly towards the finale, delivering a variety of styles, sympathetic vocals, neat harmonies, and first-rate musicianship (including compelling violin interludes from David Ragsdale).

I remain unmoved by the ugly duckling tracks 6 (Dream) and 9 (Revenge) - too disjointed and unmelodic for my taste - and the lyrics are still the stuff of the sixth form, but set these flaws aside and the CD emerges as a glorious swan. And what a towering finale, too! Great stuff.

Nowhere near 4 or 5 stars, because of the thumbs-down elements, but 3 handsome glitter boxes all the same. Give it time: once it's got into your system, you are powerless to resist.