EYE IN THE SKY

Perhaps the last of the non-self-paradying APP albums, the music is by now sounding very formulaic and very familiar. Had Alan and Eric used up all of their fresh ideas? Were they just popping out variations of things previously published? Had the pop scene their main target audience? This album seems to lead me into thinking "yes" to all of the above. The melodies, soundscapes, vocals, and even lyrics seem to be so familiar and so overdone. Still, were I to come from Mars and encounter this as my first APP album I'd have to admit that it's good, it's not terrible, it's got plenty of catchy hooks and pleasant sounds--even a few brainworms of ear candy to feed off of for days ahead. It's just not leading edge, risk-taking progressive rock anymore (was it ever?)

2.5 stars rated down for lack of freshness, lack of progressiveness.