LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM

Improving somewhat from Released, which explored the hard rock side of Jade Warrior in what I thought wasn't a very successful way, Last Autumn's Dream turns its attention to the band's more tranquil aspects, with the notable exceptions of Joanne and (especially) Demon Trucker. The band still haven't quite realised that they're just not cut out for rocking out, but at least on this album the ethereal walls of sound from the debut begin to make a return, and the distinctive, distorted wail of Tony Duhig's guitar is always a joy to hear. It doesn't quite recapture the best aspects of the debut, but it makes up a lot of the lost ground. A healthy four stars seems appropriate stars (ranking the debut as four and a half and Released as three and a half).