THE BRASS SERPENT

The Brass Serpent is an excellent Sophomore effort from Akacia. The first track, Postmodernit,y is a wonderfully structured peice with clever lyrics and a catchy hook. The almost 40 minute title track is the star of the album. While The Brass Serpent is more of a suite than a single continuously flowing song it still works quite well. The story is entralling, and the clever composition has me finding more new things with each listen. Olivet is another outstanding track, sort of a sequal to Postmodernity in spirit. After an impressive and soothing piano section in the middle, it revisits some of the first track's melodies at the end for a pleasent surprise. The only track that I wasn't too crazy about was The Grace of God, a triumphant praise type song. Still a decent track, but not my cup of tea.

Overall I give this album a 4/5. The production is SLIGHTLY below average, but not enough to effect the rating. Outstanding album with uplifting messages.