A KIND OF ALCHEMY

A beautiful and melodic Alternative Prog record. Lots of styles are explored in this record with lots of Experimental Alternative which can be found in most of the tracks. It also features lots of mellow, highly melodic tracks like the opener 'The Night' which is a fantastic introduction that sets the tone very well for the whole record. 'War' is another more mellow track, and one of the best. Featuring fantastic vocals and a simple acoustic guitar driven arrangement and a great electric Guitar solo at the end. Other songs like 'Zeitgeist' and 'A Little Bit Deranged' feature an Alternative Rock sound that feels highly influenced by more recent Radiohead albums with unusual guitar chords and strong vocals. One of the more Experimental moments on the album is the third track 'Diggin' a Hole' which features more keyboards and a Trumpet solo. It also features a world music styled middle section. This song is very energetic and would please anybody looking for a sound closer to the first album. 'I Don't Want to Entertain You' is a funk based song again with great Vocals and some great guitar work, despite being so different from other songs it still manages to fit well with the tone of the album.

The albums longest track 'The Song That Never Was' is one of the most accomplished and creative with lots of atmospheric piano and electric guitar parts and one of the finest vocal performances on the album. The song remains Progressive throughout with the Alternative Rock influence further explored into a more melancholic sounding melodic Rock.

Other songs worthy of mention are 'King Of Clowns' a more traditional Alternative track with a great vocal performance and a great piano part. 'Sirens' another great acoustic guitar song with some fantastic keyboard playing. And 'A Peaceful Mind' which provides a fantastic atmospheric keyboard driven ending to the album.

This is one of the strongest Alternative Prog albums you will find, there isn't a weak song on the album and offers a stronger effort than the brilliant debut, though features a much different feel with lots more mellow music. 4 Stars easily earned by this effort.