ISLAND OF THE MISFIT TOYS

There's a real dichotomy here between the lyrics and the music. At first glance and on a superficial level, we have a light melodic almost pop prog album. Listen a bit more closely though, and you'll suddenly find you're in a the middle of a disturbing nightmare. The themes dealt with here are dark, regularly venturing into taboo areas such as masturbation and child neglect. All the while through, the music is pleasant, even occasionally upbeat.

Musically, and to some extent thematically, there are similarities with the period of PINK FLOYD dominated by Roger Waters, perhaps even stretching back to "Dark Side of the moon". There's also hints of CAMEL, THE MOODY BLUES and especially the ALAN PARSONS PROJECT in terms of the vocals and harmonies. The guitar work is generally somewhere between Hackett and Gilmour, with tracks such as "Channels" and "Safe" highlighting the band's instrumental capabilities. This though is not an album for those seeking lengthy symphonic instrumentation, the emphasis being primarily atmospheric rather than virtuoso.

There is a continuity to the music which makes for a very relaxing mood. The lyrics aside, Nothing is particularly challenging here. If you enjoy the music you will do so on first hearing, this is not one of those albums which demands repeated listening before you get it.

The fact that the music does flow so well is in part down to a certain amount of sameness throughout the album. The lack of variety may cause some to feel that the album is a bit bland and over long.

Turning back to the lyrics of André Neitzel, they remind me in some ways of a line manager I once had. He spoke is a very gentle way and was so quiet, it was sometimes difficult to hear him. When you did tune in though, you became aware that he was cursing and swearing, and making vitriolic and offensive comments. Here, the lyrics may not be directly offensive, but they vividly describe situations and events which many will find distasteful. For the voyeurs who find some of the lyrics difficult to make out, they are repeated on the band's website.

In all, a highly enjoyable light prog album with a real sting in the tale.

Addendum - I would commend to you James Lee's superbly written review of this album.

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