THE ROBBERY OF MURDER

Salem Hill

Neo-Prog

3.90 | 77 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer

So far "Salem Hill" produced some poor AOR to average neo-prog music. But from time to time, there were hope of better things to come. I guess we can call "The Robbery Of Murder" one of these.

I particularly like the guitar sounds and the fine vocals. Melodies are not absent either ("When") and the work of David Ragsdale on the violin is more than welcome during the neo-prog "Someday".

Still, I believe that this band is highly over rated (just like their US fellow countrymen "Glass Hammer"). At best, they produced average music overall (even if during some short solo, they are quite convincing).

This being said, I consider this work as their best so far. But far to reach the masterpiece status, of course. A mellow ballad like "Blame" or "Trigger" are enjoyable but "Dream" brings us back into the most classic neo-prog mood, just as the later "Revenge" and its very classic synth solo � la Banks.

The instrumental "Father & Son" is a poignant moment. I have to say that if they would produce more tracks of this caliber, they might justify some higher rating from my part. A wonderful and emotional jam between violin, keys and guitar.

Unfortunately, right after this, one has to bear the quite disgusting and slow-reggae oriented "To The Hill". Press next of course (even if Ragsdale's violin is again the best out of it).

This album started above my expectations. But the more I advance in this work, the more I am deceived. A song as "Revenge" has more to share with AOR/poor heavy rock than with symphonic prog.

Some fine acoustic guitar work for the "Interlude" (you know like "Horizons" from whom you might have heard) and the melodic and symphonic (at last!) "Epilogue" are the ingredients of this album which according my standards is worth three stars. A good album.

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 | 2008-8-21

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