MAP OF THE PAST

This is a very interesting album. After being away for four years It Bites return with their follow- up concept album 'Map of the Past'. However, this sounds more like a follow-up to Kino's album 'Picture' than It Bites 'The Tall Ships'. Now, I know John Mitchell was a big part of Kino as well, so there are bound to be some similarities but that's just my initial impression of the 'feel' of the album!

On first listen I wasn't hugely impressed. But, as is often the case, with really great and enduring albums, this album really grows on you. I mean it REALLY grows on you! It's a big step forward from 'Tall Ships'. This album really flows. It has kept my ears busy for the last six hours. Like, I've played it virtually non-stop for the last six hours. Frankly it is awesome and it just grows in stature the more you listen to it. So shame on those who rated it so low! You've got to really listen to it, because, honestly, it is a really great album and I love it. I can't say if it is a masterpiece just yet. But if it is still engaging me in six months time then I will be coming back to change this rating from a very, very good four stars to an irrevocable five stars, Mr Progarchives Guidelines Police!

Favourite tracks for me at the moment are 'The Big Machine' and 'Meadow and the Stream'. 'Send no Flowers' is a real nod to Genesis as well. Hell, the whole album is great so go and buy it!

Edit: I'm still listening to it and it's still absolutely brilliant. Here's that fifth star.