THE CONFIDENCE TRICK

'We keep saying never again, and we keep making the same mistakes ...', this is dealing with the repeated failure to learn from history. Silence is a statement? Really? Sure, while considering the album's context, the lyrics, it gets a valid meaning. Encouragement is required for example, regarding the needed response to racist violence. Now we promptly are within the album entry. The aforementioned message on one hand, well then the composition as such, plus the instrumental implementation, everything is simply priceless. Leaves you wanting more. And indeed, 'The Confidence Trick' album marks the best song collection I've come across so far regarding this band. Just appealing in its entirety. Considering the booklet's fantastic layout respectively illustrations so much the more something for your ears and eyes. It is worth investing some time. A few songs are referencing Sci-Fi novels written by Philip K. Dick, others are inspired by personal experiences.

There is a really charming atmosphere prepared for the listener all over. Malcolm Galloway's voice appears to be unique, for one or two this probably needs getting used to. A trademark in any case, still can be filed under sorta hybrid of singing and speech. Superficially seen you may have the impression that he's pulling the strings right on his own, but as usual Mark Gatland is on his side, the longtime co-partner so to say. And that's nearly all about the current band line up. Oh, finally not to forget the nice flutes occasionally swirling around, provided by Kathryn Thomas, to mention End Of The Line for example. This has a great effect when trying to implement a somewhat silky mood. Electronics are fairly in place overall, even such a song like Perky Pat works well. Hence the drumming must arrive from the console solely. 10 years ago or so I would have complained, but today these things are refined a lot, finally acceptable to a layman like me.

'When it started, who won?' Major powers are becoming increasingly aggressive in trying to divide up the world, this nowadays is concentrated on the Ukraine. I would say World War Terminus is thematically drawing on current issues, especially concerning the threatening nuclear aspect. The extended symphonic excursion Refuge then comes with grandezza pure, context-wise following some adventurous experiences of Galloway's great-grandmother during Word War II. The album's title track shines with extraordinary playful guitars. And I'm always overwhelmed by the mellow jazz tinged Lava Lamprey flow, including some excellent bass lines. 'Armed with applause, but it wasn't enough ...', finally the short piano driven closing track Cygnus is generously dedicated to all those people from the health and social care devotedly fighting against the COVID pandemic. Occasionally reminding me of Tears For Fears and Talking Heads, and accompanied by those well thought out themes and messages, the band delivers more than one hour of entertaining music.

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