PASSION

I really thought time had passed this band by when I heard their 2005 release called "Believe".These guys put out three great albums in the nineties in "The World" , "The Window Of Life" and "Masquerade Overture" but "Believe" was average at best. Well fast forward a few years and they release "Pure" and I wasn't even going to bother until I saw all the high ratings and the news that they had become heavier. Well "Pure" lived up to the hype.They were back ! This latest album "Passion" continues where "Pure" left off as they've continued with that heavier sound but also they've implimented some new ideas which work well. There's a great article on the band in a recent Classic Prog magazine with some cool pictures of the boys.

"Passion" has this interesting soundscape to start as the vocals join in. It kicks in harder after 1 1/2 minutes. A calm after 4 1/2 minutes as an almost sinister mood arrives to the end. "Empathy" sounds so good to start out. Vocals around 1 1/2 minutes then it calms down with atmosphere before picking back up again with vocals. It settles after 4 minutes then the vocals return a minute later as it stays laid back. A nice soaring guitar solo around 8 minutes then Nick comes in speaking the lyrics. Not rapping as I keep reading. As someone who hears Rap a lot in my household from my two teens including listening to "The Marshall Mathers LP" and "The Eminem Show" on our way down to Florida this year I think I can tell the difference mofo. Piano takes over after 9 1/2 minutes then it turns orchestral-like to end it.

"Feeding Frenzy" is dark with atmosphere to start as almost spoken vocals join in.The guitar kicks in at a minute then the drums follow. Hell yeah ! I like the lyrics too. It's nasty before 2 1/2 minutes. Killer track ! "This Green And Pleasant Land" is mellow with reserved vocals until the guitar and a beat come in after 2 1/2 minutes when the vocals stop.They're back a minute later as the sound gets fuller. Great sound after 6 minutes. Guitar then comes to the fore before 9 minutes. A strange ending to this one. "It's Just A Matter Of Not Getting Caught" is spacey to start as harp comes in. It's fuller with a beat and guitar but it's still spacey as the vocals arrive. It turns heavier 1 1/2 minutes in. I really like this song.

"Skara Brae" sounds really good as the guitar grinds away then the vocals join in. it settles but not for long. A calm before 3 minutes with vocals and atmosphere. Great sound after 5 minutes. Beautiful sound after 6 1/2 minutes to end it. Fantasic ! "Your Black Heart" is my least favourite. It's mellow with reserved vocals, piano and more. It's just too generic after all that i've heard.Take away this almost 7 minute song and this is a 4.5 star recording.

Congrats to the guys for another winner. Peter Gee, Nick Barrett, Clive Nolan and the relatively new guy Scott Higham. A very solid 4 stars and another impressive outing.