SAFE

"Safe" is the follow up to the excellent "Moonshine" release. This one is of the lighter variety reminding me at times of Hogarth era MARILLION. Unfortunately Marek Gil seems like he's left in the background a lot on this record.The lyrics are shared between the drummer and vocalist.

Things get off to a bland start with "The Winter Song". It opens with synths as piano melodies follow. "This Time" is a little better as we get some good guitar and vocals. "Cages Of the Mind I" has these strange vocals that kind of ruin it. "Cages Of the Mind II" has the same melody with acoustic guitar but with normal vocals this time. We get a full sound 40 seconds in, and one of the highlights of this album are the synths in this song. "Stranded" has it's moments but is a very average tune. "Eight Kisses" is one of the best songs on here. Synths, light drums and vocals lead the way until we get some tasteful guitar 5 minutes in. That guitar turns aggressive 7 1/2 minutes and then it soars before becoming aggressive again the rest of the way. Nice ending !

"One Of Their Kind" has some good guitar after 3 minutes. "Safe" is a beauty, with gentle piano and reserved vocals. Light drums follow and I like the lyrics "Safe from the sorrow and pain". Female vocal melodies late and some tasteful guitar. "The Chanting" has this cool guitar melody to open as keys and synths take over. After 5 1/2 minutes Gil breaks out for the first time on this album with some scorching solos. "Made Again" is dominated with vocals, keys and synths. The acoustic guitar on this song is actually played by the drummer. "Cages Of the Mind III" is an ok tune that turns dramatic with some passionate vocals. "I Will Be There" is ok with 12 string guitar and reserved vocals. Synths come in later.

I don't think this album is for everyone, it is a 3 star record in my opinion, but barely.