X MY HEART

I am deeply in love with Peter's voice (although he is not the best singer of all time, right?). At times he brings me in heaven, but not always. Like during the opening song "A Better Time". Minimalism has never been my cup of tea, and this one opens the "fire" of "X-My Heart" and sets the pace for the whole album.

The band that surrounds Peter, could (should) have been more on the forefront. Each musician is quite discreet and most songs sounds as a monologue. Peter already produced such albums: either alone or with some friends (like here). At times, one gets caught by a brilliant violin play ("Amnesiac").

Most of the time, the mood is on the quiet and dark side of the music. Monotonous and no so emotional as the great man can be. Few songs really shine on this album (but the nineties were not his best period, IMHHO) and I'm not moved with "Ram Origami". At all.

"A Forest of Pronouns" is one of the poorest track I know so far: repetitive and dull. What a pity. Fortunately, there is a wonderful song as "Earthbound" to bring us to better feelings. Don't get me wrong: this song has nothing in common with the greatest Hammill (or VDGG) numbers. Just a good song to be honest, but under these circumstances it is a highlight.

This album is quite a disillusion so far. But I can understand than an artist can't produced only great albums.

One emotional moment is the great Material Possession. Complex, passionate, beautiful. It is an outstanding number. The one which gives you shivers. Great atmospheres, subtle and disreet backing band. The highilight.

This album is quite a difficult experience. The man has used the fans to a lot better. But I'm going to be as fair as In can be. Two stars.

No question of a masterpiece which X-My Heart is absolutely not. One out of many albums the great man has realesed.