LOVE'S LOST PROPERTY

Two Veteran Musical Compadres Brood About Love

In this achingly lovely sophomore release by Welsh duo THREE COLOURS DARK comprised of veteran musicians Rachel Cohen (vocals) and keyboardist Jonathan Edwards- both with extensive musical resumes- lyrically and musically address the vagaries of 'love' in its many guises.

Classical Greek thought identified eight kinds or varieties of love- which means to me that this is a complex subject, and of course even a few moments' thought might bring to mind a wide variety of songs about love. "Burning Love". "Love is Strange". "Love is Like Oxygen". "Love Stinks". And so on.

CAN Love Be Lost?

And if so, where did it go? Is love like energy- it never diminishes yet takes different forms? "Where is the Love?". These are the concepts that propel the music on this brooding, melodic, lush album- and I take it on faith (since I didn't have access to the lyrics) that the parts I COULD understand dealt in rainbow fashion with a number of facets of love and relationships.

Music

Most striking on this album is the sense of brooding wistfulness, vulnerability, and sensitivity. Rachel's voice is clear, pure, and straightforward. No vocal theatrics or burnishments. No harshnesses or gimmicks. I was at times reminded of early Clannad.

Jonathan's keyboards provide stately, lush, mystic walls of synths, organ, piano, and keyboard effects, all of which are prominently featured.

(Almost) third member Tim Hamill, who adds acoustic and electric guitars, bass, and programed drums, plus a variety of guest musicians utilizing oboe, saxophone, guitar, violin, and additional vocals embroider and add depth to the core songwriting skills of Cohen and Edwards.

Music Takes Time

That is to say, the music unfolds at a leisurely, measured pace. There is never a sense of hurry. The mood does intensify at times, yet emotions are subtle and require careful listening to fully grasp. I was reminded of an artist I knew years ago who worked closely, carefully, nearly obsessively on her pieces, and was challenged by an instructor to LET LOOSE, to THINK BIG and to ENLARGE THE SCOPE.

I had the impression THREE COLOURS DARK could stand some of that challenge. Each track is lovely and haunting, and at times I longed for some fire and less restraint- something I heard only in "Eye For An Eye", where guitars get a little heavier, there's a bit more boldness, and intensity is a bit more obvious.

Sum It Up

Absolutely gorgeous, thoughtful, restrained crossover progressive rock music (although there were times I wondered about this designation), with carefully and meticulously constructed compositions done with great care and skill. The chief caveats for me would be that all-in-all I wanted a bit more fire and abandon, and perhaps more overall variety, since there was a kind of similarity in the feel, the sound, and the atmosphere in each track.

My Rating

Three point five moody, tender stars meaning "Good" to "Excellent" as an addition to your progressive music collection.

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