FANFARE & FANTASY

I was curious to hear what the fuss was about with this new album given the glowing reviews and maybe like some, there was a part of me hoping to take these upstarts down a peg or too ! I have to say though, with this stunning album, Comedy Of Errors have made a fan of me. From the suppressed anger and sadness of 'Fanfare For The Broken Hearted' and 'Something She Said' right through to the grandiose pomp of 'The Answer' we have a musical journey of depth and catharsis. The songs are tightly written, emotional and powerful with even the longer ones beautifully constructed with contrasting sections that still seem relevant to each other.There are no unmusical indulgences done just to impress- everything here seems connected and done for a reason although the playing in these multi-layered songs is impressive.This is a band who are clearly influenced significantly by Pink Floyd but also Yes and Genesis but on the other hand do seem to put there own stamp on things to the extent that they don't particularly sound like any of them. Their sound is classic Prog mellotron etc mixed with more modern electro and orchestral flavours which gives them a more contemporary sound. Many reviews have mentioned the sheer number of hooky melodies which come thick and fast and give this album an almost disarming appeal.There is however plenty going on that will reward repeated listens. The songs have a great variety of styles with the epic 'Going For A Song' and 'The Answer' in the neo camp and many others much harder to pigeon hole. 'In A Lifetime' and Remembrance are sort of rock ballads but with a dark quality.There also seems to be strong classical elements throughout the album particularly "Time's Motet and Galliard' and 'Merry Dance' which could be a prog single. 'The Cause' with its broad brush Floydian build ups and contrasting traditional jig section is an epic track which after hearing it, seems appropriate to have a few moments of reverential and respectful silence.The production too is superb. It's all just opinions but for me this is the type of album that could spearhead the resurgence of our beloved Prog and convert the uninitiated to the true path!