GLASS KITES

Glass Kites fuse a conventional neo prog sound with occasional eccentric turns. It mixes zany and interesting compositions with conventional and sometimes generic styles. Fans of laidback 1980s rock should enjoy this one.

"Intro" Heavy, airy synthesizer brings the album into focus.

"Terra" A steady beat carries on throughout this even soft rock song. The vocalist has an Adrian Belew quality. Smooth piano followed by electric guitar give the song further character.

"The Body" The drums here are flat and the rhythm is odd and unconvincing, while the off-kilter vocal melody leads into some pleasant, charming passages. Somehow it's like Radiohead, with some twinkling piano at the end.

"Soothsayer" Acoustic guitar provides the foundation for this unconventional chord progression. The song is upbeat but light.

"Break" This is a peculiar, aimless track that sounds like the middle of piece of music faded in and out.

"Mirror Me" Initially ethereal, the album's longest song is like full-fledge 1980s neo prog. The piano interlude is lovely, and builds with bulbous synthesizer and electric guitar, leading to the heaviest portion of the piece.

"Slowly (Home)" The album ends with another dirge-like tune, spacious vocals over a quiet progression. The gradual outro has a calming, easygoing effect.