DULCIMA

3.5 stars. Rhys Marsh's second album is more dynamic than his debut but we still get that overriding melancholic vibe with plenty of mellow music. Mattias Olsson (ANGLAGARD) is back helping out on three tracks but Nicklas Barker isn't on this one. We get female vocals on 4 of the 8 tracks and the songs are longer this time around.

"In The Afterglow" is mellow and orchestral sounding to start. It kicks in with female and male vocals. It does settle after 3 minutes but it's brief as it kicks back in with mellotron and more. "The Frightened Souls" is laid back with reserved vocals, piano and strings. "Divide In Silence" has more strings and reserved vocals as we get another mellow tune. "Nine Times Beautiful" is more dynamic with male and female vocals. The drums are prominant at times from Mattias. There's an Eastern vibe as well at times.

"The Safety Of All You Know" is relaxed with reserved vocals. We do get this laid back instrumental section from 3 minutes to after 6 1/2 minutes then the vocals return with a fuller sound. It's orchestral late. "You'll Never Fall" has this beat with mellotron as reserved vocals join in. It does get fuller. "Surrendered" is laid back with piano as fragile vocals join in followed by some atmosphere. "In Dark, In Light" is almost NO-MAN like to start. It becomes fuller as female vocals help out. Nice guitar followed by organ as the drums continue but not the vocals. Vocals are back after 5 minutes then we get a calm 6 1/2 minutes in before it turns orchestral. Vocals are back as we get a full sound again.

Another good one from Rhys and i'd rate this higher than the debut but this isn't the style of music I really enjoy.