TEST OF WILLS

What I like about this band is their song writing skills and humour. Of course they can play a bit as well (haha). This one has some heaviness to it which I like but it's not consistantly heavy. I still like "Impossible Figures" more than this one but there's lots to like here.

"Gameface" has this funny intro before some great riffs take over and vocals join in. I like the high pitched guitar on this one. "A Social Marginal" opens with a drum solo then heavy guitar comes in after a minute. Vocals before 2 1/2 minutes. I'm reminded of ECHOLYN at times on this one. Heavy before 5 minutes with synths then back the previous melody to end it. "Walk Fast, Look Worried" features acoustic guitar and vocals. Strings? after 2 1/2 minutes. It settles 4 1/2 minutes in.

"Test Of Wills" brings us back to the heaviness but we get some good contrasts here. Some horns in this one as well. This is my favourite track. "Bully Pulpit (Part 1)" is a 2 minute instrumental,kind of experimental. "Jacko" is a fun song with keys and vocals leading the way. "Crucible" is an uptempo track led by drums and vocals. Some heaviness 1 1/2 minutes in. Contrasts continue. "Preaching The Converted" is led by percussion and vocals throughout. "Critics Carnival" opens with flute? but it kicks in before a minute. Organ 2 minutes in. Vocals before 3 minutes. A funny sample before 5 minutes then it kicks back in.

An entertaining listen, lots of fun. 3.5 stars.