SMALLCREEP'S DAY

As a logical consequence of reviewing Shakary 2006, I continue my musical journey with Mike Rutherford "Smallcreep's Day". Why? The lead vocal is the same: Noel McCalla. Nothing logical, actually. But, the fact that Shakary includes Noel McCalla in Shakary 2006 reminds me this album by Mike Rutherford. Please bear in mind that this vocal line is completely different with Shakary 2006 - it's 26 years difference in time horizon. The vocal characteristic like in this album that reminds me to Noel McCalla's vocal tone. This album was one of excellent albums that I liked by the time this album was released. I expected something as high quality as Genesis music to prove that Mike can compose excellent music. Yes, he has proven it. This album was beautifully composed and it would not disappoint any Genesis fans.

The album (CD format) starts mellow with "Between the Tick and The Tock" without drums involvement; it's basically a keyboard-based composition. The strength of this song lies on its melody and harmony, delivered excellently with Noel's powerful and clean vocal. "Working Line" is an upbeat tempo track with nice acoustic guitar work and dynamic drumming. "Cats and Rats In The Neighbourhood" is a simple pop rock song with nice melody and stunning keyboard. Noel sings with his tiny voice and fits with the music.

The music continues with ambient mood of "Smallcreep Alone" followed beautifully with "Out Into The Daylight" which casts excellent combination of keyboard, guitar and drums in relatively fast tempo. It reminds me to "Duke's Travel" of Genesis' "Duke" album. This is an excellent instrumental piece that Genesis fans would love and enjoy it very much. It's hard to differentiate this track from Genesis music. The music flows wonderfully to "At The End of The Day" which has excellent melody in slow tempo.

The CD continues with the "A" side of LP format through an energetic "Moonshine" (6:23) with an excellent harmony. I like this track. Next track is my best favorite track with memorable melody "Time and Time Again" (4:52) which has somewhat colored my college days at Bandung. In large or small part this track is heavily influenced by "Many Too Many" from Genesis "And Then There Were Three" album. It's a simple track with nice melody and powerful composition. I like the piano parts at the opening followed with Noel's nice voice "It's been so many years since I saw your face ." oh .. what a truly melodic segment!

"Romani" is another Genesis-influenced music followed with nice ballad "Every Road" (4:13). The album concludes beautifully with "Overnight Job" (5:43).

Overall, this is an excellent addition to any prog music collection. Genesis fans would not be disappointed with this album - even, it's a must to own this album for Genesis fans. The strengths of this album are on its powerful song-writing, beautiful melodies imposed into the music, excellent vocal job and excellent musicianship. I got no trouble at all enjoying this album even after 26 years since its release date. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW