THE EPIC QUALITY OF LIFE

When you look at the fully "Genesis" oriented album cover you almost know what will be available on this album. Paul Whitehead designed several for the band (from Trepass to Foxtrot). He did also some work for VDGG, Renaissance etc.

I wasn't really impressed with his first album and when I listen to the title track, I have the same feeling. The major influence during "The Epic Quality Of Life" is "Yes" ("Heart Of The Sunrise"). But vocals are fully Gabrielesque (since Shaun used to sing in a "Genesis" cover band, there is no surprise about this).

Of course, synths sounds as Bank's ones, but the overall feeling here is more on the neo-prog style ("A Queen's Tale"). My favourite track is probably "The Edge Of Earth". It is a solid instrumental which features great drumming (another facet of this talented musician). It is indeed reminiscent of "Los Endos" (as the closing number Red Zone).

While you listen to "Monsters In My Room", the scent of "The Lamb" fills the air, if you see what I mean. Slow, scary, it reminds me at times of "Broadway Melody of 1974". Not too bad if you can face the fact that the originality is not the strongest point available here.

His first album was mostly instrumental, which is not the case on this one. Still, "5 To Go" is another of these. Again, the synthesizers are almost cloning the ones of who you known. Definitely neo-prog; almost metal. But pleasant.

His second album (and last one since he passed away a few years ago) is more convincing than his debut one; but for those who would like to discover his best participation work, I strongly recommend the album "Book Of The Dead" from the "K2" project.

"Juliet" is not a really good song. It's a melancholic ballad, very similar to some of Gabriel's solo work. A slow tempo for a quiet song. And you can use a carbon paper for Say Goodbye.

Three stars for "The Epic Quality Of Life" but be aware that if you are a "Genesis" orthodox, several songs / passages will kindle you ears ("Inside Of This").