RETURN OF THE LYDIA

With Too Much Fat

THE TIRITH's third album, "Return of the Lydia", apparently continues a tale begun in previous albums- this trio that began in the 1970's, and has itself returned.

There are science fiction themes, alongside reflections on the isolation of human beings, the vagaries of war and love, ending with a hopeful hymn of gathering and joining.

One can't fault these themes, or the earnestness with which they are played out. Musicians are adept and the trio plays well together.

But Too Much Fat

It seemed to me this album could have fruitfully been reduced by a third. THE TIRITH seems to have gone for an epic feel on each track, by having grand passages led by guitar melodic solos over Hammond organ sounds or choral synth passages, and once- to me the most charming- with glockenspiel (Crystalwell).

None of this is bad, exactly, except that what struck me was a lot of repetition, both with lyric passages as well as the sound of the vocals, the bass, the guitars. Sure, there were some variations, but what it lacked for me was an edge, some fire, some passion. Too much blubber, too little lean meat.

A Few Exceptions

"Go the Drifter" was the shortest tune and one of my favorites because there was a semi-funky bass/guitar lick, a bit more sparkle, some harmony guitar lines, and a cool drum breakdown. Keeping it shorter, kept it crisper. Get in, get out.

Some nice piano work on "My People". The aforementioned glockenspiel work on "Crystalwell", which also has an interesting back story of a fifth or sixth-century hermitess (depending on the source), casting a spell- not really a saintly thing to do- that depending on who drinks of the well first, finds dominance in a marriage.

And the final track "The Meeting of the Ways" shows the most adventure, even if here too one could pull out the sharp knife to carve off some fat. But I liked the acoustic passage set within the track, the choral synths, the odd-meter passage which is carved to pieces by an exceptional guitar solo, and some nice guitar/bass licks.

My Conclusion

I wanted to like this one, and I do like a few places and ideas. Overall, too much fat, too much plodding, too much repetition to make it lean, crisp, and fine. I rate this one 2 stars, maybe 2.5 for those better places.

Share this THE TIRITH review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Steve Conrad
• Report this review (#2843915)
• Buy THE TIRITH music online with PA partners
• Show all THE TIRITH MP3/Stream
• Go to THE TIRITH page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Return of the Lydia page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for THE TIRITH related discussions