THE TALE OF WOE

When you listen to their second album, it is hard to beleive they have concentrated for about ten years to release it. In terms of music, this album is really on the hard edge limit of prog. Musicians are still skilled of course (but that's the least you can expect from professionals). Only one line-up change : the drummer. The problem being in the quality of the song-writing. Genesis influences are of course still there, but not as strong as on their first album. Vocals are still remininscent of Gabriel.

In terms of compositions, while not flirting with prog-metal ("Seasons", "Seven Gentle Spirits"), they will be poppish and poor ("Harold Cain"). This album is extremely deceiving so far. Even though their debut one was not a big deal of creativity, it displayed some great moments (fully Genesis-inspired).

Things get finally better with "The Past Has Just Begun". The longest "Puppet" composition. Totally in-line with their first album. At last a good prog song : a powerful intro, emotional vocals, very nice acoustic guitar to back up the vocals entrance. This passage is really pastoral and beautiful. What a contrast with some others uninspired songs featured on this album. The listener is back again with the Banks sounds and is only missing some great guitar breaks. Well, just be patient, because you'll get some good ones during the second half of this epic. Very melodic at times "The Past Has Just Begun" belongs to the top three of this band. The finale sounds again rather hard.

You can forget about "God's Angry Man". Heavy metal during two minutes, anf fully experimental afterwards. A pure cacophony. Press next (my advise). Unfortunately, the closing number "On Second Thought" doesn't speak to me at all (except the last section but that's only three minutes).

As I have said, I am rather disillusioned with this album. Let' s say two stars.

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