SUMMER IN EDEN

Like Wendy is quite consistent in their music direction as their albums are similar in style, i.e. Mellow-melodic with song orientated music, relying heavily on vocal as main melody supported by keyboard and guitar as fillers and rhythm section, including music interlude. As the band focus on melody and song, musical arrangement has become a second priority. I can sense this on lack of musical challenges this album offers. This has become my major concern about this band because their previous albums have no difference at all in music style and varietie which make it dry. This is then worsen by the fact that this album is less attractive than their previous efforts. It sounds flat to my ears and my mind and it does not generate sufficient momentum that stirs my emotion. It's just a flow of musical passages that are not bad, actuaally, but it does not impress me. In fact, it bores me. Enough is enough for the melodic-mellow thing. I need some more dynamic movements of chords and notes that uplift me, emotionally. Unfortunately, the band fails to do so. It serves good for those collectors or die hard fans. Not for me. I am loyal to progressive music that satisfy my ears, my mind, and my emotion.

From the opening track Flame of Life (6:12) the album has demonstrated its tendency towards mellow stuff and it continues to next track Eden (7:36). Well, don't get me wrong, there are many good keyboard and guitar passages that accompany nice melody brought in through vocal. But, that's not enough to uplift emotion - at least for myself. The next track Black Hole (6:26) still can't help much of it. It requires patience to enjoy this album.

Overall, I can only recommend this album to those die hard fans of Like Wendy or for those who want to complete the album collection of Like Wendy. For newbie of the band, this is not a good place to start. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW