BLINK OF AN EYE

Enchant's 6th full-length, Blink of an Eye, attempts to follow the same template of their previous LP, Juggling 9 or Dropping 10, released two years earlier and still regarded by many as the high point of their discography. However, one big change occurred between the two records: long-time band member Paul Craddick left Enchant and was replaced by Sean Flanegan. With Paul's departure, Enchant did not only lose a phenomenal drummer, but also a gifted songwriter who had penned many songs in their previous albums. On Blink of an Eye guitarist Doug Ott took charge of all the songwriting and, although he himself has written some fantastic songs for Enchant, the lack of a songwriting partner is a clear drawback that bogs the album down somewhat.

The main problem with Doug's material for this album is that is too homogeneous and, for the most part, formulaic. The new record features the classy arrangements and top-notch musicianship that one can find in all Enchant's albums. However, the songwriting is slightly safer and less adventurous, with fewer contaminations with other styles. The key influence on Blink of an Eye seems to be Marillion circa 1990s, with a lot of focus on layered arrangements and mellow e-bow leads that create a dense but unobtrusive background allowing maximum space to Ted Leonard's voice. New drummer Sean Flanegan is perfect for this type of material, as he is a straighter drummer than Paul Craddick, more visceral and groovy, but also less imaginative and nuanced. Occasionally, Enchant unleash their proggy side and let loose in fun instrumental breaks that bring to mind Spock's Beard, but overall Blink of an Eye is considerably less prog-oriented than Break or Juggling 9 or Dropping 10, favouring texture and atmosphere over complexity and displays of technical proficiency.

The general toning down of progginess wouldn't be a problem per se, if Blink of an Eye could supply strong and memorable vocal melodies on top of its mellow soundscapes. Alas, the band's Achilles heel has always been their inability to write really catchy melodies, and Blink of an Eye is no exception. Most melodies are slightly convoluted and dull. No matter how many times I listen to the album, the songs are elusive and hard to memorize. Inevitably, a lot of the material flows away inconspicuously, blurring together. Only a handful of songs stand out. "Under Fire" may be the strongest of the lot in terms of accessibility and quality of the melodies. "Monday" is proggy and fun, dialling up the Spock's Beard influences. "Follow the Sun" veers into mainstream rock territory and features gorgeous vocal harmonies, while "Despicable" provides an energetic and engaging closure to the album.

Overall, Blink of an Eye is a step down compared to the beautiful Juggling 9 or Dropping 10 and it is probably slightly inferior to Break as well. Despite the continuity in terms of sound and style relative to those two albums, the material included here feels somewhat generic and uninspired. The dearth of truly compelling tunes makes the 54 minutes of the album somewhat a chore to sit through, but the quality of the playing and the class of the arrangements are undeniable and ultimately save the record from a lower score.