AUTO RECONNAISSANCE

The Tangent is one of the best prog creators of the new millenium, but for my second most expected album of the year, I'm a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong: the new album is very good but I think my expectations were too high (5 stars maybe ?!?). I love all the jazzy touches of the record, I love all the short songs, but the epic ones feels underwhelming. "Jinxed in Jersey" is funny but kind of cheesy. "Lie back & Think of England" had to be the masterpiece of the album. And it's a very good epic but not a great one. The song tries to be "In Earnest" Part II, but only partially succeeds. There is a good start and a touching second-half part but overall is 5-8 minutes longer than it should be. From the band who created epics like "In Earnest", "Where Are They Now?", "Slow Rust", or "Le Sacre Du Travail" I was hoping for more cohesion. And now the good news: the second-half part of LB&ToE is pure gold. A good 4 stars album & I definitely can say that The Tangent is not capable to create weak or mediocre albums. See you on the next ones.