THERE AND BACK AGAIN LANE

This is L&T's fifth album, and at the time I said that I felt that it was their most complete work to date, and I see no reason at all to change that opinion now. As with the previous album Andy Skittrall provides bass, Lorna Cumberland vocals and Richard Wileman everything else. Released in 1995 this was very different indeed to the rest of the British underground prog scene at the time (and yes, it was very much underground with only fanzines daring to write about prog at all, totally different to today), but they never felt that they needed to follow anyone else and indeed followed their own path. The album opens with an air of menace on 'Why Do I Watch?' which leads into a characteristically atmospheric number. The tempo is increased along with the volume and menace but Lorna's voice still rises like a soaring angel above it all. Classical guitar plays an important part in this song, adding little touches here and there which manage to emphasise the electric riffing guitar. The music is often complex but never wanders into realms of self indulgence.

'Darker' shows a totally different side to their music, with overlaid vocals and a musical background that switches themes and style, yet with the melody underpinning it all. Again, this is a portent of things to come with Karda Estra, combining loads of different musical elements with vocals being just part of that. Hackett is again a main influence, and overall this is a superb piece of work. www.kardaestra.co.uk