GOTHIC IMPRESSIONS

I can't help but be thrown back into the Theater on Geery in San Francisco watching the Phantom of the Opera whenever I listen to this recording. Something in the match up of church organ and modern drumming that scream, "Andrew Lloyd Weber" to me. Of course the corny faux opera vocals help to heighten that sensation. Personally, I don't buy it.

Three stars is being generous, that is strictly for the high level of musicianship displayed. Two stars for originality and creativity. Par Lindh tears up the keys on these tunes, sure, but I can't help but feel as though he simple rehashing the pretentiousness of Keith Emerson, rather than making a statement of his own.

Green Meadow Lands does come across like a long lost King Crimson ITCOTCK track. It's not unpleasant, just reeking of fake sincerity. "Night on Bare Mountain" just shrieks ELP, right down to the ultra-hyper Carl Palmer styled snare abuse. I do find Desden Lamentation to be beautiful, if not too short. The same with the flute driven Gunnley's Round with sweet female vocal accompaniment. Lovely. The Cathedral has some moments that I foudn myself drifting into daydream, but the vocal parts give me a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomache.

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone I know. Anyone wanna trade?