THE DIFFERENCE MACHINE

This fifth BBT album is probably their best so far. Up to now, the band sounded quite simple neo-prog outfit to my ears, but what's available in this "Difference Machine" is much more structured.

This aspect can be easily felt while listening to the long songs available on this album. The first one of these "Perfect Cosmic Storm" is a truly good epic that mixes some symphonic prog as well as jazz attributes. At times noisy (heading KC), at times beautiful and emotional (thanks to some fine mellotron parts). The whole is very well put together and very pleasant.

The same sort of concept can be noticed during "Pick Up If You're There" which is the second epic here. More on the melodic side, but still complex enough to raise the interest. Again, some fine mellotron lines add a superb value to the whole. A special mention as well for the wonderful melody of the short "From The Wide Open Sea".

"Saltwater Falling On Uneven Ground" is the last epic of the whole. And even if this song is more straight-forward than "Perfect Cosmic Storm", it is very pleasant to listen to. Vocals in particular are very harmonious and sweet. Very much in the style of "Genesis" while they were four.

The closing number "Summer's Lease" starts in the same vein but the final instrumental part is very moving (the combination of violin, piano and sax is really a jewel).

All in all this is a good album. Seven out of ten. Three stars.