THRENODY FOR A DEAD QUEEN

I always look forward to new work from Comedy of Errors with great anticipation and "Threnody for a Dead Queen" does not disappoint.

We know what we're dealing with from the names of some of the tracks on this album; "The Seventh Seal", "We are such stuff as dreams are made of", "Through the veil", "Threnody for a Dead Queen", "and our little life is rounded with a sleep". Seems to me this subject (death) could/should be sad, full of grief or remorse but here, because of the music, it isn't.

Right from the first song "Summer Lies Beyond" it's atmospheric. Wonderful keyboard work and subdued lyrics before opening up allowing expansive guitar and always backed by solid keyboard, leading to surprising tones and a satisfied ending.

"The Seventh Seal" is bold and progresses seamlessly through a montage of sound, thanks to slick keyboard playing. I think we're meant to conjure up Bergman's film of the same name, I certainly did. The pace is excellent throughout while "death is stalking all around". I like this song.

The third track, "We are such stuff as dreams are made of" is a Shakespeare quote. A light, atmospheric instrumental track. Very easy to listen to and float away?.

Track 4, "Jane" is different again from what's gone before. This is a catchy number, instantly popular and memorable long after hearing the album.

"Through the Veil" is next and it's a bit special. Another relatively short instrumental. Intelligent keyboard playing a hypnotic melody which fits perfectly, like a thanksgiving.

Threnody for a Dead Queen is a worthy title track. A long, atmospheric keyboard and drum introduction with a theme that then runs the course of the whole song. The first part is almost otherworldly with its spiritual feeling. After 9 minutes it develops into a powerful full band song of acceptance, always with the original keyboard melody in the background. Listen to this song a few times.

Track 7 is another Shakespeare line "and our little life is rounded by a sleep". Lovely introduction but with a more sorrowful theme, harping back to previous tracks. This is like slipping away peacefully, it's lovely.

The album is rounded off with "Funeral dance". Almost like a medieval dance, happy and resigned. I really liked the cheering at the conclusion. It just fitted.

In summary, this is bold, taking on a difficult subject and handling it with care. It was almost transcendental. We are taken on a journey "through the veil" to an ending that is ethereal and yet somehow joyous. Well done Comedy of Errors and especially Jim Johnston for the vision to put the lyrics and music together in such an innovative way. This band just gets better and better.

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