MISSING PERSONS (ALIVE FOREVER)

This EP/Single from the late Gary Brooker, and his latest line up of Procol Harum bandmates, is a nice post card from the long time rocker and reunites him with long time Procol lyricist Keith Reid. The first song "Missing Persons" is a mid tempo ballad bemoaning the loss and disappearance of persons known over time. It has the Bach inspired organ flourishes that Procol was known for back in the day and is a decent song with a strong melody line. "War Is Not Healthy", with it's funky blues inspired shuffle and loud group choruses is much more exciting. Amazingly, Brooker can still stretch his voice over this quick moving lively tune. The anti war sentiments, or chants to be more precise, penned by Reid are quite simple but still effective, especially in the wake of the current Ukraine\Russian conflict. Written by both Brooker and Reid many months ago, it just goes to show that these sentiments will, unfortunately, never go out of fashion. 3 stars for songs that feel quite workman like, well performed and well polished, but never really fly high enough to grab your attention.