COMM

I always look forward to a new release from THE TANGENT but the first couple of listens were different from what i've had with this band in the past. I don't know how to explain it except to say that "Comm" came off sounding like an Andy Tillison solo album for me. Those thoughts have since past after many listens.The other thing that was different for me was the first track called "The Wiki Man". It reminded me too much instrumentally of early THE FLOWER KINGS and SPOCK'S BEARD with that epic and dense sound. Now it's not that I don't like that style but I guess I like my THE TANGENT sounding like THE TANGENT which the rest of the album does by the way. Oh and the rest of the album is some of the best new music I have heard this year. Incredible stuff.

"The Wiki Man" is the over 20 minute opener that i've already touched on. The keys and sound build quickly until it's full. Vocals before 3 minutes as it settles back but the sound will continue to rise and fall. It does calm right down before 10 minutes with sparse keys. We get reserved vocals around 11 1/2 minutes then it kicks back in after 14 1/2 minutes. A good beat with vocals leads before 17 minutes. "The Mind's Eye" is such a cool tune. The drums, vocals and keyboards standout and i like the vocal style. Theo Travis adds both flute and sax on this one and we get mellotron late.

"Shoot Them Down" is a touching song lyrically. It's pastoral to start as reserved vocals join in. Guitar and drums after 2 minutes then flute. Atmosphere before 4 minutes then the chorus kicks in as the guitar solos over top. "Tech Support Guy" is classic TANGENT with Andy's story telling and humour. Some excellent instrumental work as usual. Check it out 4 minutes in especially the fuzzed out keys. Very Canterbury-like. "Titanic Calls Carpathia" opens with atmosphere and flute then it starts to build around 3 minutes. It settles as vocals arrive after 4 minutes. It turns fuller a minute later on the chorus then settles back as contrasts continue. A change before 7 1/2 minutes with sampled words, a beat and sax, then it turns heavier with vocals. Then we're back to normal again. Some nice piano 12 minutes in then guitar.

I think those last four tracks are some of THE TANGENTS best work. Easily 4 stars.