BLACK SCIENCE

Good Neo sound though both production and composition have some growing/maturing to do. Kudos go out to Craig West for taking on a commendable concept/intention behind the album (the signs and rise of fascism).

1. "Armistice Day" (1:34)

2. "Weimar" (10:41) fair though typically bombastic intro disappears for guitar arpeggi and PINK FLOYD-like vocal. Again, the intention behind this song is appreciated, it's just rendered as nothing PF, Porcupine Tree, or The Pineapple Thief hasn't already done--and here with, unfortunately, inferior sound production. The presence of a harpsichord sound excites me but nothing comes of it. Power chords, old synths, and guitar leads all sound far too familiar. (7.5/10)

3. "The Cannons Cry" (4:18) the simplicity and melodrama of this song are hard to take seriously. The best parts are the Eisenhower speech clips. (7.5/10)

4. "Heavy Water" (8:36) like an extended song from CHROMA KEY's Dead Air for Radios or a good BIG BIG TRAIN song from before 2007. (8/10)

5. "Airfield On Sunwick" (For Wojtek) (6:11) a solid song with better vocals and sound quality improved by use of heavy metal electric guitar work & sound. Probably my favorite song on the album. (8/10)

6. "Black Science" (8:17) Too predictable, too prog-by-numbers. Like the "berimbau" sound prominent in the first half and use of sax in the second. Good second half. (8/10)

7. "UXB" (4:59) A little heavier RIVERSIDE/SYLVAN-like sound works nicely! (But, that bass! Ouch!) Another top three. (8/10)

8. "Noise To Signal" (8:47) too much; as below. (7/10)

A decent album that is cursed by overpretentious lyrics, poor unexceptional lead vocals, poor sound production (especially in the presentation of the drums sound), and often prog-by-numbers song construction and performances. Still, nice keyboard and guitar play. A band to watch!

3.5 stars; a decent album but overall, not worth recommending to others.