THE WELL'S ON FIRE

Their previous « Prodigal Stranger » released some .twelve years before this one sufficiently proofed that the reunion of several core members of the band was not a guarantee of high quality compositions. So, I was not really expecting great things with this "Well's On Fire".

Of course, Gary always sounds as pleasant as he ever did and still provides this little extra emotion. A song as "Old English Dream" does convey this feeling. And even if "Shadow Boxed" is not one of their greatest songs, it rocks alright and features some good rhythm just like during "VIP Room " (although the band has always pleased me more when playing great ballads).

The great organ work works fine again here, especially during "Robe Of Silk". The band is also digging into its very old roots with a song like "Question" and its deep bluesy influence. Still, not unpleasant.

My fave on this album is by no surprise "Fellow Traveler". A superb and romantic ballad, fully in line with their best songs written ages ago.You can probably call this nostalgia and you would definitely be right. But that's the way it is. I grew with "A Writer.", and when a song gets as close as this one, I just succumb.

But there are other ones in the same vein. "Emperor's New Clothes" for instance. Again, Brooker is so emotional and expressive. The piano play so simple and convincing. Another excellent song, really.

On the contrary of bands like "BJH" or "The Moody Blues", while "Procol Harum" writes rock songs, they are credible. "So Far Behind" is a good example. And the closing instrumental features some great organ and guitar work. An excellent way to close this work.

This album is a good trip back in time. IMHHO, it is their best effort since "Exotic Birds and Fruit" released almost thirty years prior to this one and much, much better than the poor "Prodigal Stranger".

A nice surprise actually and a good album. Three stars.