THE MUSIC THAT DIED ALONE

Opening with bombastic organs and other keys reminiscent of ELP is the first suite. Then bombastic brass come for the second part and the song chills out. There are vocals in this part. They are okay, reminding me of Geddy Lee. The chorus is really happy sounding with its backup vocal harmony, lame. Part three begins with a "hey" and is a funkier section with guitar soloing. Part four is a much needed respite from the thus far fast paced suite. Fret less bass and piano are nice on this one. The vocals sound like before but lounge tinged. I find the backup singing again, annoying. Part five opens with a cymbal wash and spacey synth/acoustic guitar. Part six then begins which is part four again but with acoustic guitar. Part seven then begins with sax and wah wah guitar. Part 7 is part 2 again. I REALLY do not like the chorus on this. This song is okay, I like that the soloing never becomes excessive noodling. I do not like the vocals and found the song without exception to be to fast/hyper (like everything was on meth).

The second suite opens with jazzy stuff, if the first song ELP tribute this one is Hatfield And The North Tribute. The flute is nice and they sound like Richard Sinclair. The second part is a cover of Chaos at the greasy spoon. I wouldn't have known because the original is very short serving as an interlude, unlike this track which is a lot heftier. The third movement opens with acoustic tremolo picking guitar and is the closer. Overall I like this song, the vocals were better then before and the backup vocals more tastefully done.

The third song opens with a lot of energy due to fast percussion work that drives the song over which vocals are delivered. The harmonies are again unnecessary and this time the vocal tone does not fit the music (to 2000s rock for ELP/Hatfield clone). This one I'm meh on. The drums get annoying with the repetitive thrashing and everything is just so loud.

The fourth song opens with calm piano, a rarity on this album, something that isn't balls to wall. The second part kicks it up a notch but surprisingly is still chill even with vocals. The third part is keyboard led with some hectic playing that feels earned this time. The fourth part opens with Canterbury scatting and the album ends after some singing.

This is a solid album. An adequate mix of good/average moments that remains in 3* territory for me 100%.