BRAINSTORM TWO - EARTH ZERO

This is what the band refers to as their first "real" album. It's a mixture of straight up rock music and space rock. These Australians are really concerned about the enviroment and so their music is often about this subject. Even the title of this album is a statement of how they feel the earth is doing compared to them. BRAINSTORM two-Earth zero.Yes the earth is taking a beating. The band has received some airplay at home most noteably from the opening track "Freeway". The bands that came to mind as I have listened to this record were MIDNIGHT OIL, MOODY BLUES and HAWKWIND.

"Freeway" is almost the focal point of this album.The song is so infectious and about a Chrysler that is pictured on the back cover of this record. It opens with these ominous synths before becoming an uptempo, fun song. Lots of synths and some good guitar, but it's the lyrics that steal the show here. This is like an ode to his car and how much better it is than other cars, especially chevys. Like I infered in the intro this song will play in your head long after it's over.The song ends with the sound of a car crash. "Vandal's Hymn" on the other hand is a serious song with strummed guitar and passionate vocals. Intense is the word, with more synths.There is mention of Tianmen Square and the Berlin Wall. "No-One Knows" is an energy filled song with drums and guitar leading the way.

"Stasis" is one of my favourite songs. It opens with a thunderstorm as birds are chirp and the rain is pouring down. Acoustic guitar comes in with soft vocals and synths. Nice. "Slow Train Of The Lie" is ok with some piano. As the title suggests this song is about the promises made by world leaders that never materialize. "Back Home On The Terra" opens with flute and is a mellow song. "Triplanetary" has a MOODY BLUES feel to it. Acoustic guitar throughout. This song is another highlight for me. "The Last Long Summer" is a mellow, acoustic folk song. "Anarchy" is ok, while "Tyranny" is like a HAWKWIND tribute song. This one is so unlike any of the previous tunes. The final song "Armageddon" is an epic song at over 20 minutes in length. It's divided into 6 parts. The first section "No Tomorrow" is similar to "Tyranny" but slowed down. Some good bass and spacey synths towards the end. What follows is the sound of the wind blowing before we get into "Morning Red" a dark, spacey section that does get brighter. More ominous sounds follow with acoustic guitar, synths and an atmospheric ending to this great song.

Good record with some variety and thoughtful lyrics.