F# A# ∞

A very polished effort from a fine band. Although not as sophisticated as Lift Your Skinny Fists......, F#A# shows subtle uses of thematic illustrations to evoke atmospheres especially between songs or at the beginning. A bit similar to Pink Floyd using scenes to depict atmospheres from Wish You Were Here onwards. There is a minimalist approach on this 1997 release requiring a patient listener to slowly build into the emotions. The Dead Flag Blues is a real slow burner and certainly the most superior track on the album. That is not taking anything away from Providence which paved the way for more similar climactic soundscapes from follow up releases. Lots of spoken words as with later releases which reminds one of listening to some rants from some obscure cult! Three and a half stars for a good solid album.