THE CREEPING VINE

Cyan is a rather anonymous band. Very little review for this English band. I was a bit disappointed with their second album "Pictures From The Other Side" which deviated from their origins : beautiful and symphonic music. So, I was curious to listen to this one and discover which direction they decided to follow. Symphonic again or harder (even metal)-oriented music ?

The opener is about middle of the road between these two ways. At times it will remind you Genesis, but it is more on the hard edge then. The melody is very pleasant and their leader on the keyboards is just like he used to be : very good.

A nice surprise on this release. Guess who is holding the lead guitar in several songs ? Nick Barrett from "Pendragon". He is actually the one thanks to whom "Cyan" was able to record their first album (you can read more of this story in my review of their first album). This album, dixit Reed, would be melody-oriented. And it is definitely the case when you listen to "Valhala". I am not as positive for "Gwenan". Some sort of folkish ballad; somewhat medieval. Original but unexpected in the "Cyan" repertoire.

I have to say that "I Will Show You Life" is also a bit strange. Wind instruments, some soul/funky beat. A great guitar solo will save this track from total disaster. The weakest song of this album.

I really don't know what was going through Reed's mind while he wrote the compositions for this album. Almsot each track has a different genre. Some might say, what a great diversity ! But I am more enclined to ask for more consistency. Even within a same song, several styles will be investigated which leads to confusion. The feeling I have when I listen to "Goodbye World" ranges from brilliant (during some intrumental parts, mainly like the sublime guitar a la Pendragon...) to poor with most of the vocals (which has not been the case on previous "Cyan" albums). I really don't know what happened here.

"The River" is based on the same mould with fabulous guitar during the finale. The structure of "Home" is almost similar. An average rock ballad with a marvelous last section. Guitar again...

The closing number is some world music oriented. At this time of the album, this is really too much. As if Reed wants to tackle all the music genres he could. Unfortunately, I can not enter into his "trip".

Two stars for this "eclectic" album.