RAISING THE STONES

What a logical step for a "Genesis" clone to follow the same orientation than their mentor. Only Peter Gabriel ooooups, sorry Cyrus Scott (bass and vocals) and Stewart Bell on keyboards (who comes back after the poor "Ghost Dance" interlude) remain from the original line-up.

Their first two albums were totally "Genesis" oriented with fully Gabrielesque vocals. Both "Serpents..." and "Somewhere But Yesterday" were good albums. No masterpiece of course, but pleasant full neo-prog trips back into another time.

The same mood comes out the opening number "Last Day Of Cain". Great instrumental intro and a melodic epic (over thirteen minutes) full of great keyboards and melancholy. But lots of cliché as well here. At times, it is just too much (just listen to the closing part). Tony, where are you ?

Song-writing for several songs of this album is pretty weak. Uninspired, dull, with no feeling at all. The first example is "Bad Karma". It could have been unreleased, IMO. And when you listen to "First Gate Open Yet Closed", only the intro part sounds nice. After this, the song will go in so many directions in such a short time (four minutes) than one is completely lost. This track goes nowhere. Another one in the style is "Dreaming Makes The World". Well, for sure this one won't make me dreaming. Monotonous, flat. Dispensible.

"Corcyra - The Suppliants" is another good piece of music. Varied, powerful, theatrical vocals (but this is one of their TM) and strong keys. Ony of my fave from this album. I pretty much like the spacey keyboards intro and closing part.

The short "Last Supper" (nothing to do with the other "Supper") is a poignant track. Super keys, almost classical. A bit pompous maybe. It could have been the intro part of an epic; but nothing as such, unfortunately.

As usual, the structure of most songs are made from the same mould : a relatively long instrumental intro which might be inspired or not; but the latter is more frequent. "Black Rain" confirm this (but not only : "Bad Karma" also followed this scheme).

This album is also over-extended (but this is another of their trade mark). Over seventy minutes when fifty would have been more appropriate. Too many songs are totally uninspired and emotionless. Even if like me you are keen to listen to "Genesis" clones, this one does not captivate me.

"Silently Seeking Euridice" closes the album as "Last Day Of Cain" opened it. Great intro, nice melody and beautiful music. Fortunately these songs are the longest ones (over thirteen minutes each). But even if you add "Corcyca" and "Last Supper" this represents only half the album.

Two stars.

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