THE BOOK OF KELLS

This long album holds very few jewels. If it weren't for these sweet and melancholic vocals,from Joanne (which are scarce), there would be little to be remembered. It is funny that several folk-prog bands are featuring female vocals. Maybe to give this little extra kick.

Jewels aren't plentyful to say the least on this album but "The River Flows" is probably the weakest of all. I can hardly point out any particular songs here. Just a serie of average numbers with little feeling. Quiet and ambient music. At times, some inspired instrumental parts are holding the comparison with the very good vocals work. In this respect, I like "Luke The Calf" and its prog- wave-sound. Very much in the "Lands End" style. Peaceful, tranquil and relaxing. Nice to listen to on a Sunday afternoon (just as I am doing now).

Most of the album is leading into a sleeping mode. One just be awaken here and there with some more enjoyable music. But overall, I can't be overwhelmed with this work. Not that it is totally poor, but it is just flat and mostly boring. Some special folkish sounds and instruments during "Temptation" are more than welcome; but they do not sound as a constructed track. More as an improv type of music. Not bad though.

This album is almost instrumental (but that's not a new feature). As I have said in my review of their debut as well, this album sounds almost as a (weak) soundtrack for which no script is to be found. Hence the difficult job to detail this album which is just a cascade of individual short tracks all linked one to another but without any vital lead.

This album sounds very much more like a spacey item than a folk one. I'm trying hard to find any great outstanding number out of here; with no success. This album is just good as a background music when you invite some friends at home. But be sure that the conversation is interesting, otherwise the whole party will just fall asleep.

I like the good sax part from "Trinity", but I can't hardly talk about a highlight. Two stars for this work because in it is not bad per se. Just ordinary.

I really wonder where there is an inch of relation with "Yes" or "Genesis" in their music as it is said in their bio. This is completely misleading IMHHO. At least in my case. Don't bothe rwith this recording.