AT THE SOUND OF THE BELL

"Pampered Menial" must be one of the best debut album a band has released. So, it is rather difficult to match such a masterpiece. And, unfortunately, there is no miracle here. I purchased this CD in '97 and only listened to it twice or so. I opened it again for the purpose of this review...

"Valkerie" is one of my fave. Superb melody like we have been used to before, but a bit repetitive towards the end. "Gold Nuggets" is also a good rock ballad. But what I am missing here is the mood change that one could find in "Pampered". The closing number also stands out : "Did You See Him Cry" is the best song of the whole and the only one that could compete with their previous material. So, one highlight on this work; while there were at least five or six avalable on their debut one).

This album is way behind the reference. Nice and gentle songs like "She Came Shining", "Early Morning On", and "Standing Here With You" or a rocking one like "Try To Hang On" might indicate that some talent is still there but definitely not on par with their debut.

The worse here is a country ballad. I really can't stand "She Came Shining". Neither the jazzy "She Breaks Like A Morning Sky". Did you say poor ?

Even if this album is still good, I'm afraid that magic has already gone. Three stars.