LE SACRE DU TRAVAIL

The Tangent are a band I have always kept a keen eye on. In fact, I have even had a brief history with the band (I was one of the finalists for the solo competition they had for their song 'The Wiki Man' from their last album 'COMM'), so I do know how amazing these guys are and that band leader Andy Tillison is an absolute dude...oh yea, and he is a musical genius.

So, having done everything a band could possibly do (double albums, concept albums, an album with a book, a competition to allow fans to play on the album), Andy Tillison went to his big brain of ideas and decided, 'a musical...that should do it.'

Ok, this album isn't exactly a musical...but it's not far from it. More of a song cycle or suite, split up into 5 parts, the albums concept deals with the...mundane it seems. Oddly enough, these guys have taken what we all see as the norm and have made it a gigantic spectacle. And it works so well, it's almost funny. Actually, come to think of it...it is funny. The lyrical content is definitely one of the most enjoyable parts of the album, because it is very humorous at times. But behind the humour is a brilliantly crafted satire, which only adds to enjoyment, because...it makes you think and stuff. Because the band is more of an ensemble, these guys have had a revolving door of members, and on this album we see some new faces. One of the biggest surprises was the addition of Gavin Harrison on drums, who in my opinion, is probably one of the greatest drummers to have ever lived. Another amazing add to the band was bassist Jonas Reingold, who is no doubt one of the best there is. I actually hope that one day they'll get me to join the band on some useless instrument.

One of the biggest changes is the songwriting style that the band has adapted, and I have to admit, I am glad they have made this change because it works so well. Each main body of work or song, which usually lasts from 12-22 minutes, has within it about 2, 3 or 4 actual songs with instrumental sections interlinking them. In many ways, this reminds me of Neal Morse's style of songwriting, and I have to admit...this type of songwriting always impresses me, especially whenever great catchy chorus' and hooks appear now and then.

The albums biggest highlight is the 22 minute epic 'Morning Journey & Arrival.' One of the real highlights on this song has to be the intro section 'Dawn Over Blubberhouses,' which I could listen to over and over again. The other major focal point has to be 'Bird Shit.' An absolute crazy piece with some great intertwining vocals throughout.

The albums second epic 'Afternoon Malaise' probably has the albums most stand out moments, in the form of a part called 'Steve Wright In The Afternoon.' Really the crux of this piece, it is one of the best and most interesting parts on the album. At times it sounds like a rock song, a prog song, a death metal song and even a musical. A bit of a mixed basket really, but it totally works.

The third epic on the album 'Evening TV', is probably my least favourite moment on it. Now don't get me wrong, I think it's an absolutely amazing way to end this incredible body of work, but I think my disdain towards it is because Andy keeps on saying 'put the kettle on'...and I don't like tea. Weird criticism, but whatever, I stand by it.

In conclusion...this is the best Tangent album. I have been saying that about a lot of bands this year, but this has been an absolutely fabulous year for music, and The Tangent have just made another gem this year. The Tangent for me have always been sailing between the crazy and the too crazy, but they have entertained me for many years. Whenever there first album came out 'The Music That Died Alone' came out, I did say to myself that they would never be able to top it. Now they finally have. This is a must have for any prog fan, and any fan of music would at least marvel at what these guys can do.

8.9/10