CHESSBOARD

I think TEMPUS FUGIT did themselves proud with this release. It's been 9 years since their last record "The Dawn After The Storm" which is still my favourite from them. The music here is so lush and melodic, and personally I think the vocals fit the music perfectly. Kind of like Gilmour or Waters, neither of which are great singers but would you rather it was someone else singing for FLOYD ? Not me, and the same with TEMPUS FUGIT, I think Andre's warm and reserved style of singing is just right. I have to mention the length of this album as well, because at 50 minutes on the dot it's just right.

Speaking of PINK FLOYD, the intro track "Pontos De Fuga" part I is a synth filled instrumental that is no doubt inspired by that legendary band. Part II sounds even better with the melodic guitar leads and fat bass lines. The synths and guitar take turns leading the way. Another excellent instrumental. "Unfair World" features tasteful guitar melodies as reserved vocals come in with piano. The guitar comes and goes. A fuller sound as the drums arrive. I like his vocals a lot after 7 minutes. "Only To Be With You" is the first time we really hear an uptempo melody. The guitar, piano, bass and synths all shine. Vocals come in after 4 minutes. A pleasant listen but my least favourite track. "My Princess" opens with guest female vocals as the sound slowly builds. It's the chorus though with Andre singing that is so touching. "Tears From The Sky" is an instrumental that begins with some nice relaxing guitar and piano. The guitar grows more passionate until synths take over after 1 1/2 minutes. The guitar comes back before 2 1/2 minutes with pure emotion. Incredible.

"The Game Of Life" features lots of synths and some prominant guitar early before a calm with piano comes in before 3 minutes. Beautiful section as some guest male vocals arrive as well. Very melodic and pleasant. Female vocals help out. The guitar lights it up before 7 1/2 minutes with organ in tow. Nice. The vocals return with more feeling as the bass throbs and guitar rips it up. The organ is back ! This is great. "The Leaving" opens softly with piano and reserved vocals. Soaring guitar a minute in. After 2 minutes we get an extended instrumental section of piano, bass and acoustic guitar. Very enjoyable to say the least. Electric guitar joins in after 4 1/2 minutes, the bass is deep and prominant. Just a pleasure to listen to this song. The guitar reminds me of Latimer 7 minutes in and then it starts to cry out. The tempo picks up near the end with lots of synths.

I feel this is barely a 4 star album, but it's still worth 4 stars.