ORPHAN FOUND

This is a very personal album from Shane. He was an orphan himself and the story of a child searching the truth about his origin is fully autobiographic. This album is full of melancholy during "Chosen". But believe me, this is an extremely vigourous album.

If you exclude the vocals, a song as "Coming Into View" is rather Crimsonesque (what an influent band !). Dark, complex, superb guitar riffs definitely influenced by Fripp. Very heavy. All mighty. An extremely violent song. But most of the album will be very powerful. Closer to prog-metal than anything else. Of course, some violins will add a special Kansas mood here and there, but really for short breaks only. Actually, "See What He Does" will even adopt the acoustic mood of Kansas. A bit mellow but an exceptional violin duo will give it another dimension.

Arena is not very far away when you listen to the power of the title track. At this time of the record, one has to agree that their vocalist / leader has a beautiful voice : melodic, catchy, profound and emotional (the theme of this album must definitely encourage him to be so poignant). "Ophan Found" is another great track (but so far, nothing weak can be found).

Another quiet moment follows. "Parts as One" will bring some welcome tranquility and melancholy again. It would have been hard to go on with such a tempo. For the first itme, two slow songs will appear side by side. Of course, during the chorus for "Paupers Unfulfilled" the volume will raise quite substantially but the general sensation is a good rock ballad.

The third piece suite "Coming Into View" is spread over the entire album. Total lenght : over eighteen minutes. Wild and almost neo-prog flavours during the first movement; it is a great opening number. It sets the pace for most of the album. This is not a quiet album for sure. The second movement "Encircling Arms Of The Father" has some "Watcher Of The Skies" feeling during the intro. But how many times have it already been the case ? It is probably the poppiest and catchiest song of the whole. Very nice melody. It is not the best song according my taste, but very pleasant. It breaks a bit the overall style and it features some great guitar work as well.

Third movement, "Gazing Down The Golden Street" is the slowest part. At times, you'll get the impression to listen to Mark II Marillion. It is the weakest song of the album (would you believe ?).

The very short closing number features some great choir and this is a wonderful goodbye.

This is a very good album that would deserve more recognition and exposure. Almost no reviews on this site. I really invite you to give it a try and to share your comments about this work. Please, do me this favour.

Four stars.