STORMWATCH

Stormwatch is the last Tull album before the new keyboards technology incorporation, present on the "A" record. Compared to the previous Heavy horses album, the electric guitar here REALLY becomes more distorted and aggressive, and many parts flirt with the metal boundary. This will become Martin Barre's trademark on the next albums. There are many moving orchestral arrangements by David Palmer: they are very symphonic. Anderson uses some echo effects on his voice. The combination of orchestral arrangements with a quasi-metal guitar is very unique and special. I must say the keyboards are not extremely elaborated, but when they are present, they are quite interesting, especially the piano & portative organ. There are many excellent flute parts. This record contains many acoustic instruments, like mandolin, classical & acoustic guitar. The bass is quite well played and is quite bottom. Drums are excellent and very varied. It is important to mention that, for the first time, there is something sounding modern on their album. This Tull album is definitely underrated, and it is among their best albums!

Rating: 4.5 stars