UK

A Monday-morning-album if ever I heard one: I defy anyone not to be energised and inspired by this blistering Prog tour de force. The first track 'In The Dead Of Night' is as good an opener as they come: all syncopated driving, urgent riffs and Wetton's characteristic knowing, slightly poignant yet nonetheless aggressive vocals.

It's the energy of this record that stays with the listener long after the music has finished. From the unashamed riffage of 'In The Dead Of Night' to the blistering electroviolin solo of 'Thirty Years', this is a record that starts as it means to go on, somehow managing to gather even more momentum and build up increasingly complex melodic and rhythmic layers even through more reflective and atmospheric interludes such as 'Alaska'.

The best parts are for me though when the musicians all come together with unadulterated enthusiasm, drive and skill to match: Bill Bruford in particular adds that extra rhythmical force and pressure that makes this album a rejuvenating, energising experience.

This album has in fact inspired me to add a new word to the English language: 'Bruf' (v.) Brufing, Brufed : The act of being 'Brufed' constitutes being taken away by the creativity and musical virtuosity of a Prog artist, e.g. "Wow, get ready for a good Brufing when you listen to 'In The Dead Of Night'" or "Gosh, I was well and truly Brufed by 'Thirty Years'".

So take my advice - listen to this album, and prepare for the Brufing of a lifetime!