BIGORNA

An odd little Arthurian rock opera with amusing vocal performances and interesting musical backing. Apparently, original guitarist Vlad was around for the start of the Bigorna sessions but departed partway through, with new bandmate Khykho taking over from him, which may explain why the guitar performances don't feel especially inspired to me here - they're fine technically, but they don't quite connect emotionally.

A larger problem is the fact that the constraints of a rock opera don't feel to me like the best fit for Cartoon's quirky, riotous sound - and as far as rock operas go, it's a bit overlong and flabby, with my attention inevitably fading partway through. It's competent enough, but it's not flat-out revolutionary.