AGE OF MADNESS

Unlike mentioned in the line-up on PA, on this album, Manfred Wieczorke (ex-Eloy) is still holding the keys. It will be his last apparition with hte band (unfortunately). Klaus Hess will take them over on their next album "N° 9". But I can't say that it was for the best of the band.

The previous "Jane" album was a very good one released and the band is trying to redo the same at least for the first two songs which are again very good ones. "Heep" oriented keyboards to start a powerful opener which will quickly turn into a fully Floydian atmosphere. Even the vocals part is OK but this has been always the case when the three band members featured on this album (Hesse, Hess and Panka) were taking this role. My fave out here and on par with their good songs.

The title of the next song is fully in accordance with its content. "Memory Symphony" is a very nice and tranquil instrumental song. A good balance with very expressive keys and of course a sublime guitar play (but this is a "Jane" TM). Another highlight.

The instrumental "Auroville" is a bit harder. It refers to a human utopy. It is the name of a city in South India (building started in 1968). The goal is to create a universal city where men and women from all around Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity.

The worst of their numbers so far (all albums considered) is "Love Song". A bluesy . love song with stupid lyrics. I really hate this song. Press next of course to reach "Bad Game" which is a repetive and heavier rock instrumental, not too bad though. I would also consider "Get This Power" as the nadir of their production (on par with "Love Song").

Most of the songs are average to good (at best). "With Her Smile" is one of them. Some old-fashioned psychedelia from the sixties. But this album was released in .1978.

Bearing this in mind, the short and peaceful instrumental "Meadow" is like a kind of fresh air. Nice and aerial keyboard play, nice melody somewhat similar to "After the Ordeal" on "Selling". One of my fave (would you believe!).

The reprise of the opening and title track is just as good as its counterpart. At least it leaves the listener with a favourable felling about this release which holds three very good songs and two good ones. For a total of twenty minutes not a great one.

Three stars (but this is on the higher end). Five out of ten would be more appropriate. But you know the story...