PLAY

Prog-jester makes a lot of good points about this album. This isn't progressive at all except for "No Love Lost" which also happens to be the longest song at 6 minutes.This really is a continuation (in style) of their last release "Stranger & Strangers" from 2005, which was an EP. Actually there's even one song from that EP on this record. Honestly though I just love this music. You just have to read my review of that EP to know that. I feel the same way about this as I do about early PINEAPPLE THIEF which most people also dismiss, but I love.

"Moody" has a good powerful intro before it settles somewhat when the vocals arrive. I'm put off by the explicit lyrics here but the music itself is excellent. It ends with over 3 minutes of all instrumental music. Nice. "All Over You" is a straight forward track with prominant drums and vocals. "Waste" sounds like a mix of 80's Pop and 90's Alternative. One of my favourites on here. It really reminds me of a Christian band I saw live once called ALL STAR UNITED. It just moves me. "Drake" features piano and fragile vocals.The lyrics are meaningful. It does build to a fuller sound. "Never Fade Out" is another straight forward, mid paced tune that I like a lot.

"The Deep Twist" is another highlight for me. It's mellow with light drums, bass, gentle guitar and reserved vocals. It just breaks me when it changes after a minute with that Post Rock guitar sound and him singing "...it feels like the knife keeps on twisting". This contrast continues. "Fire Walk With Me" is uptempo with pounding drums and aggressive guitar at times. "Still Going Nowhere" is frrom the previous EP and I agree it's not as good as the original but I love this song. It's just so emotional. "Does It Ever Get Better" is poppy but I like it. Great title too. Haha. "Play" builds to a fuller sound after 2 minutes to the end. Excellent. "No Love Lost" is the proggy one. It's dark and heavy with processed vocals before 1 1/2 minutes .Very atmospheric. Distorted guitar after 3 minutes. So much tension ! "...And Then It Stopped Raining" features strummed guitar, reserved vocals and piano. Beautiful song.

There is a reason THE AMBER LIGHT is listed under Prog-Related, so this won't be to a lot of people's taste. I originally gave this 4 stars but it hasn't held up well over repeated listens. 3 stars makes much more sense.