ON PHENOMENA AND EXISTENCES

When compared to their previous album from 2 years earlier "At Work", "On Phenomena And Existences" is a much more even record, less of those high octane moments, and less of those vocals from Olga as well. Of course "At Work" was Olga's first album with the band, her influence is much greater here. She prefers the chamber style of music and was clearly directing the band in that direction here. And this is the reason the band broke up, with Olga then forming FIVE-STOREY ENSEMBLE, a chamber music band. The violinist and others would form THE ARCHESTRA which is more in the "At Work" style and my preference of the two bands that came out of RATIONAL DIET.

Still a seven piece and the strings still dominate but we get much less of those highs that were on "At Work". I do like the opener here called "Sleep Is Teasing A Man" as the strings get louder and louder, then some aggressive piano joins in. "Living The Main Life" is a top three for that catchy and melodic sound. Lots of energy too. "Passacaglia In Beautiful And Furious World" is a top three just because it is different from what I've heard from this band. That haunting section in particular before 4 minutes. Oh, the vocals a minute in are really good, lots of character.

A very solid 4 star album but this almost pales when compared to the previous album "At Work". Maybe this could be described as a more mature work. Regardless, I am a fan of this band.