SONGS FROM THE LIAR'S LAIR

This album, for me, occupies a grey area. I'm not completely sold on the concept, and yet there were parts that I thought were pretty impressive. On a scale of 1-5 it gets about a 2 1/2 to 3. Most impressive component here is the guitarist. Speedy Saarinen can flat out play, and shows it with not near enough frequency. I really don't pick up any strong influence from any other band.......there were moments when I thought I detected a similarity to someone, but it was fleeting. Not a whole lot of highlights, save for the aforementioned guitarist. There were only 2 songs on the album that really grabbed me (Why Don't You Go Away & Sons Of Madness) with the latter being the better of the two. It's kind of hard to recommend this album based on my first and only spin. So many reviewers find that multiple spins of a disc can soften their original impression but I generally rely on my base instincts. I'm not sure repeated listenings would make that much difference here...........with such a glut of progressive offerings from Europe, save your money and continue researching your choices before you commit your hard earned dollars............there's so many fine releases out there, patience rewards the well informed!............:)