ONE MORE SLICE

The biggest change from the last album("Room For Surprise") to this one is bringing in a new guitarist who really takes a greater role than the last guitarist did. Not much of a comparison really as he offers up many solos throughout this record. There is a new keyboardist as well, but they sound the same to me. The songs are longer overall on this one. So I should like this one better than the last, but I don't. "Room For Surprise" had this innocence about it, this naivity that really one my heart over. The cover art is again brilliant. It's the kind of cover I just look at until I say no, that's not possible.

"The Joke" opens with marching style drums with synths coming in after a minute. Some surprisingly aggressive guitar before vocals and a calm arrive with piano.The lyrics are about a soldier, a topic that was prominant on "Room For Surprise". A nice guitar melody 5 minutes in with mellotron a minute later. Scorching guitar 7 1/2 minutes in. "Spirit Of This Day" is slower paced with intricate guitar melodies. Not a fan although it changes 2 minutes in as the drums pound and the guitar solos. The intro melody returns to end it. "Hell's Kitchen" features lots of synths.This one is all over the place actually. Some excellent guitar followed by spoken words 3 minutes in, then some brief heaviness. Mellotron comes and goes. Some great guitar before 6 minutes goes on and on.

"Between Reality And Dream" has a catchy beat to it as the drums and bass are relentless. Mellotron after 3 1/2 minutes followed by a keyboard melody. Yes the bass is still throbbing. "Have A Slice" is one of my favs. It sounds better once it gets going though. Some solid drumming with a synth interlude 4 1/2 minutes in. The drums and guitar shine a minute later. "Somewhat Late For Supper" is an instrumental and my favourite song on here. This sounds really good. Killer guitar especially late 7 minutes in. "Final Signals" is another good one with mellotron and some raw guitar. "Just Another Weird Vector" opens with mellotron and vocals. Synths then lead the way before guitar stands out 3 minutes in. The bass is prominant a minute later.

These guys from Norway again offer up their unique take on progressive music. Well done. 3.5 stars