BOX OF CIRCLES

Here's a weird album, about two years ago I heard England released a new album but I couldn't find any information about it, nothing that says whether this is a good album or not. Eventually I went for it and ordered the album, and man did that turned out to be a real flop. I think many progers are familiar with England's 70's album Garden Shed, it is most certainly one of the better albums to come out in the time of its release. So when I found out that the line up is exactly the same I couldn't help but getting my hopes up. So first of all let me say that this has no relation what so ever to Garden Shed, their beautiful and engaging complex Yes inspired symphonic prog is nowhere to be seen. Instead of that you get....well I don't even know exactly what it is, all kinds of songs going in all kinds of directions without a common thread, there's nothing to hold them together. Their complexity of old days is reduced to a minimum, it's not progressive rock anymore, there's nothing here that indicates that this is even the same band. It's not all bad though, some of it is actually good on its own right but it's mostly incoherent, mediocre bland and sometimes just downright bad.

The first half of the album is definitely better, going through different ideas and executed well. The album starts with a straight forward cover for the famous piece Carmina Burana, this is quite enjoyable and nicely done although it doesn't bring anything new to the table. The playing is solid although the cover is pretty much straight forward. Destiny is probably the best song here, sounds like a modern Yes circa Magnification or something like that. It's slow and calm with some nice symphonic arrangements on the keys, I missed Robert Webb's vocals he can still sound like Jon Anderson at times. Hymn really surprised me the first time, it's mostly only a cappella sung by a few vocalists with a short instrumental interlude. After a few times I must say this has grew on me and I do like it a lot but I still don't understand what's its relation to the rest of the songs. Master Of War endures my confusion, this is a slow female fronted jazz thing, sounds like Nina Simone or something like that, nice but again why is it here? God Must Be A Boogieman has a certain playfulness to it and some nice vocals on top but it is quite bland to my ears. After a few decent ideas it goes terribly down hill from now on... Timelessness is quiet with only violins, piano and female vocals, this fails to move me and once again seems totally out of context. The title Fags, Booze & Lottery is not the worst thing in the song, at this point you're wondering what the hell happened to England? But don't worry it gets even worse... It couldn't Be You is some kind of a ballade, it starts as sort of a cover with altered lyrics to The Fool On The Hill?? but then gets much worse with horrendous vocals, I just can't believe this. The next Wheel Of Fortune while generally is a bad song it does have a nice chorus to it, unfortunately it's destroyed by bad vocals and cheesy keyboard sound, Fine Alley doesn't save the day and continues to be pointless, uninspired and boring.

I don't see how anybody would enjoy this, and I don't have any desire to listen to it again. I guess I should have known by the album cover, it's as bad as the music. 2 stars thanks to a few mediocre songs. Better to avoid.

Well I have to disagree with the other reviewer. I think this is a highly sophisticated album with a distinctive voice reaching WELL beyond what 'Garden Shed' achieved. It was also clearly a MASSIVE effort to put together (Webb estimates it as taking 7300 hours in total!) and demands to be listened to in complete before making a rash judgement.

The concept of Fortune And Fame and the music being rich, layered and through-composed makes this is a highly 'progressive' album in the literal sense. You have to sit down and listen closely as well as actively. Webb is clearly a huge music lover who marvels at the work of the great composers as well as classic rock. Homages to Carl Orff, Beethoven, a homage to Gershwin, a homage to McCartney, Simon & Garfunkel and so on and so on. Yes and Genesis are OFF the radar here. The 'homage' to Mitchell and Mingus's 'God Must Be A Boogie Man' without 'covering' the song itself is quite a feat and pulled off handsomely. For the rock 'trainspotters' out here, he also drops in little references to things we already know and love...there's some Floyd, King Crimson and, well, have fun, you'll find the rest!

Look, you get the message. This album is for music-lovers with a broad taste. This is the whole point: 'England' have cult status with progressive rock fans but this LP might be lost on those who merely want more 'Garden Shed'! Therein lies the poisoned chalice of popularity even on a modest level. Forget 'Garden Shed', great though it is, this is a step away from that. Equally clever and equally polished but going somewhere less easy to pigeonhole. What a shame it's lost on some. This album is imaginative, witty and if you listen and discern properly there are deep messages to absorb.

I should also mention the booklet of lyrics is beautifully done. Make sure you get the LP! Side One, track two, "Destiny" is the standout track for me. Very clever indeed. Though Timelessness is also achingly beautiful both in execution and production. Again, best appreciated while sat still listening and following the lyrics in the booklet, as is ALL of Side Two in fact.

Great album.