THE BLESSING AND THE CURSE

I have not been the biggest fan of Arne Schäfer (lead & backing vocals, electric & acoustic guitars, keyboards, bass, orchestrations) and Eberhard Graef (drums & percussion) over the years, but their 2018 album 'Conspiracy of Fools' definitely showed movement in the right direction and then I surprised myself by really enjoying 2020's 'Endurance of the Obsolete' but must confess I did not expect a great deal from their 2021 release. However, I always listen to music with an open mind and was again intrigued to see they have kept on the same path and their 2021 album yet again contains much which is worth hearing.

As with the last release, this is much more firmly in the realms of 90's neo prog, although with melodic crossover tendencies as well. This time around we have five lengthy numbers, all in excess of ten minutes, with three longer than fifteen, but the music never drags and there are enough twists and turns within to keep the progger very engaged indeed. There is a nice use of acoustic guitars at times, while Arne also utilises some nicely dated keyboard sounds to provide plenty of variety. Historically I was not a huge fan of his vocals, but these have improved dramatically and he comes across well, with plenty of emotion and breadth so even though there is not a tremendous amount of depth to the music it is always interesting. The addition of a real drummer and musical partner has had a major impact on Arne and his music and long may it continue. This is prog which is very melodic and easy to listen to on the first play, and while it is not overtly complex it is certainly enjoyable.