FOCAL POINT

Focal Point is a good album that fits in seamlessly in the gaps between David Gilmour's solo albums, Anathema, Chroma Key and the softer side of Porcupine Tree. And I'm quite sure it will appeal to all aficionados of that kind of music.

The album starts strongly with the title track intro, a very textured affair that has a heavy prog rocking basis but that also contains very atmospheric elements and very pleasant bass guitar work. It flows into the majestic Everblue, a modern prog anthem like we've heard them from Dredg and Muse but more genuine to these ears, especially due to the vocals which aren't as emo as mentioned indie proggers. Cusick doesn't have the most impressive range but his modest voice suits this wall of noise just fine.

The album is a bit uneven though and sometimes downright derivative as on the entirely Porcupine Tree-nicked Big Cars, while Hold On makes the same offence against Blackfield. Also ballads like Fade Away are too much indebted to David Gilmour's solo album material.

It isn't until the poignant atmospheric Touch that the album returns to the excellence of the opening tracks. Both the soft opening part and the wilder drum&bass rhythms that join remind me very much of the dreamy sadness of Massive Attack. Great track.

An enjoyable album for fans of mentioned artists. Judging from the best material, this artist sure has potential for an excellent album.