STORMWATCH

This was another interesting release from the Tull. This time a conceptual album. It's quite dark in some ways because the theme is 'The end of the world' The planet's resources are running low and the new 'dark ages' are coming.

"Stormwatch" isn't quite in the same vein as the previous two albums but the songs are all mostly quite tuneful, catchy and accessible. "North Sea Oil" is a good start to the album and "Orion" shows the start of some symphonic arrangements which appear a lot throughout. Like the previous album there are two epic tunes: "Dark Ages" and "Flying Dutchman", the latter being the best. I also really like "Warm Sporran", which is an instrumental celtic charmer. Other favourites include "Something's On The Move", "Old Ghosts" and "Dun Ringill"

Overall, it's a really nice record. It's not as good as some of the band's previous releases but not at all among the worst. This is good to play on lazy Sunday afternoons.

3.5 stars