CHRONOMETREE

Honestly, Glass Hammer is one of those bands I think I should love to love. After all, almost every element I like about symphonic rock is here: charging Hammonds, Howe-like guitar parts, classical quotes, lush mellotrons and so on. Still they lack something most of their counterparts like The Flower Kings or Magenta have: a personality. Glass Hammer does not have somenone to church out songs as strong as a Rob Reed or a Roine Stolt: the group´s songwriting is their weakest point. They are superb muscians, no doubt. The arrangements are also tasteful, but the songs themselves have few memorable melodies or hooks. The vocals are also not par to the band´s outstanding instrumental prowness.

After repeated spins my feelings are the same: good, but not exciting. Some pleasant moments here and there, but not in an even flow. Production is also ok: not bad, not too bright.

If you like the so called retro prog very much you should try this one. But that´s about all I recommend. There I should warn everyone that there are better bands doing this kind of stuff in a more interesting way than Glass Hammer. A pity, because they are terrific players. If they improve their songwriting (and maybe with another singer) then I guess they can get to a higher level.