MEI

This long suite song almost starts as a « 10 CC » extravaganza or a Fab Four one. They too came up with some suite songs in their times ("One Night In Paris" or the B-side from "Abbey Road"). But a fifty minutes piece is quite challenging. Even the great Tull couldn't release two sides of equal quality while releasing their awesome TIAB?

This "Echolyn" work surely deserves your attention: as usual, the musicianship is excellent (but that's just normal IMO). The vocal department is quite good for sure; but I am lacking great instrumental parts. Gorgeous keyboards or splendid guitar breaks. Unfortunately, there is nothing as such.

Only a fine succession of good parts: at times bombastic; at time more subtle and intimate. Even harder at times. As usual as well, this album is a balance between the symphonic and the eclectic style. But for the first time maybe, some simplicity is to be noticed as well.

The length of this song prevents though to listen to it indefinitely and therefore the passion while this track is being played is not always on top. Some parts are just basic (US) rock, and this is not too good I'm afraid. It sounds as if the band has departed from the complex music of the early days. The filiation with GG is also alien here. But maybe it is a good point, I don't know (I don't think so to be honest).

"Mei" is a good album but no more. It is a consistent effort for sure, but with little passion nor thrilling passages. As such I am rating it with three stars.