SHIBBOLETH

Another fine and good album by this UK eclectic prog band, this time their third album from 2003 enetitled Shibboleth. To my ears this is more complex then previous works and they step even further in eclectic sound but aswell I can trace some jazzy moments here and there aswell. Many listneres and critics said that they have an unique sound, I can't deny that, but I don't know if they are som damn excellent in manner of composing, the arrangements, the quirky passages, that will desearve more , again then 3 stars. The music of this album is more complex, elaborated , that for sure, but because they venture in an diffrent field combineing eclectic passages with jazz arrangements, might be a little risky. While the music is ok, even great in places, I can't rate this album more then a good release, something is missing in the whole concept, even the voice of a female singer Amy Darby is good, and has some very fine moments aswell, the album is little to forced in places. The musicianship is ok, great in many moments, specially in those neverending instrumental passages, but as a whole I'm not thrilled. 6 traks grace this album, 3 of them long and one of them very long , again more then 20 min, shows that the band has the ability to compose longer pieces, a thing whre they are better then in less lenghtier on'e. So another Thieve's Kitchen album, but I don't feel I will become a fan ever of this band, I apprecited their sound, their moder aproach to progressive music, but I hardly can considered these two albums I reviewed as essential releases of the previous decade. 3 stars, good but non essential at all.