THE SERVICES OF MARY GOODE

This was JANISON EDGE's lone studio album released in 1998. There are pleasant female vocals from Sue Element who wrote the lyrics and along with Mike Varty wrote all the music. Karl Groom mixed this album and the mellotron used was borrowed from Clive Nolan. Oh there's more connections to the Neo-Prog world. Mike Varty played with LANDMARQ,CREDO and SHADOWLAND. The drummer Dave Wagstaffe also played with LANDMARQ. Ian Salmon on guitar plays with ARENA but used to play with SHADOWLAND. Are you confused as i am right now,i hope not.

"A Twist In The Tale Of History" opens with synths followed by guitar then vocals. It settles after 3 1/2 minutes with reserved vocals then kicks in a minute later. Some spoken word samples on this one as well. "Oldman" is a short tune with laid back vocals and piano. "Beneath The Boy" opens with soaring guitar right off the hop. Vocals before a minute. Some heaviness after 3 minutes. Synths take the lead 4 minutes in then it's the guitars turn. More guitar soloing late. "The Services Of Mary Goode" builds then settles with fragile vocals and organ. Marching style drums come and go.

"The Birth Of Mary Goode" sounds good to start out. It settles right down when the vocals arrive before kicking back in. Contrasts continue. "Mary Goode And The Dwarf Of Dreams" is a mellow track where vocals and piano stand out. "Joker" opens with atmospheric synths. It kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes with drums,vocals and keys leading. Not a fan of this one. "Julie Lies" opens with mellotron and piano. Soft vocals before a minute with lots of piano. "The Day That I Fell" features synths,vocals,drums and keys before it kicks in before 4 1/2 minutes. Some welcomed guitar a minute later. A calm 9 minutes in as vocals return.

If your into some of the bands i mentioned like LANDMARQ,SHADOWLAND and CREDO you may really like this. The female vocals are well done although i'd rather have Damien Wilson.