TWILIGHT

Last Winter was a tough one for me, being on my own for the first time in my life after the separation. So I thought of this brilliant idea of going through my Neo-Prog albums that are 4 stars and up hoping this would give me a lift. Well it didn't work but I sure enjoyed the experience. One album that really stood out for me though was "Safe Asylum" by this band DRIFTING SUN. So yes I was really looking forward to spending some time with their latest this past week. Well spin number one was a disappointment but they often are, trouble was that this just never got better even after 8 spins. I would even go as far to say that the first four tracks from "Safe Asylum" are better than my favourite song on "Twilight". Even the singer didn't quite sound the same to my ears but the bottom line for me is that this just isn't nearly as good as the previous record. I did play "Safe Asylum" tonight for comparison sake.

"Twilight(The Other Side Of Life)" opens with synths as the vocals join in followed by a fairly heavy soundscape. The tempo picks up before 1 1/2 minutes with fast paced vocals. It settles 2 minutes in with organ, guitar, drums and more but it's still fairly heavy. Synths only to follow like the intro then a calm with synths and laid back vocals. A relaxed guitar solo before 4 minutes then the vocals return. It kicks in again and there's some nice vocal arrangements when it calms down again. A beautiful guitar solo before 6 minutes followed by passionate vocals.

"Soldiers" opens with acoustic guitar before relaxed vocals, drums, bass and synths take over. It picks up after 1 1/2 minutes but the focus is on the vocals. A calm with piano only after 3 minutes then the bass joins in followed by vocals around 4 minutes. It kicks in again before 5 minutes with the guitar out front. Spoken words 6 1/2 minutes in as it settles right down. "Wings Of Hope" opens with piano as fragile vocals join in. It kicks in after 2 1/2 minutes with prominent bass, drums and synths with guitar to follow. Passionate vocals a minute later then the tempo picks up.

"Summer Skies" is the longest tune on here as almost 11 minutes and this is my favourite by far, it's not close. Like the previous album this one just has some great melodies and emotion. A feel good track all the way. Atmosphere to start as the bass joins in then drums. Guitar is next then vocals just before a minute. The keys and vocals really move me here. So much emotion. It's building. I like the vocal melodies with vocals 3 minutes in. A change follows as it turns emotional as those vocals really impress. I like how themes are repeated as well. The vocalist gets a little carried away before 5 1/2 minutes like he's on American Idol or something. Kind of funny. An instrumental section follows that goes on and on before the vocals return after 8 minutes and there's that gorgeous melody again before 9 minutes. Nice.

"Mystery Of Lies" has some guitar noodling to start in atmosphere. it kicks into gear with vocals just before 2 minutes. I like this. Acoustic guitar and high pitched vocals only after 2 1/2 minutes then it kicks in again as contrasts continue. "Remedy" opens with piano and drums as the guitar grinds away slowly. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes and they do get emotional before 3 1/2 minutes. They stop a minute later as the music becomes more urgent sounding.

"Outside" has an orchestral start before it calms right down with atmosphere and keys. Reserved vocals and acoustic guitar a minute in. Keys then strings return as well. It kicks in hard just before 2 minutes with heavy drums then the tempo picks up with fast paced vocals. I'm not into this. Piano only before 4 minutes then it builds with drums, vocals and more.

"Remain" kicks into a full sound rather quickly. Spoken words just before 2 minutes as the instrumental sound stays constant. Vocals are back 2 1/2 minutes in and I like the sound a minute later with piano and drums before the guitar starts to solo. Synths replace the guitar around 4 1/2 minutes. A calm with vocals before 6 minutes but the sound does get fuller.

A pretty good album but no more than 3 stars for me. I'm looking forward though to some of their earlier albums if I can track them down.