RÖKFLÖTE

I don't think many people expected another album in such relatively short succession from Tull after they returned last year with "The Zealot Gene". But then again, this is Ian Anderson we are talking about.

RokFlote definetely has much in common with the previous year's album, a comparison which I can't help but make constantly. So what 'adjustments' have been made to the sound of the band? A little more flute, a little less keybords and definitely more relaxed, quieter vocals. The first two are barely noticeable if we're honest, but the third one for me is definitely noticable and I can't say that I am a fan of it. In fact, I'd have to say its my biggest complain of the album. I just can't seem to connect with Ian's vocals, something I can attribute to them not really 'gelling' with the rest of the music. And I think that brings about the biggest problem of the album in my opinion; the 'gelling' of all the instruments with each other, and with the vocals.

Jethro Tull's reformation saw a brand new lineup of musicians pairing with Anderson, predictably bringing new ideas and sounds to the table. This breath of fresh air along with Ian's impecabble songwritng and lyrical talent worked brilliantly on "The Zealot Gene". And again, there should be no complains in that department. The musicianship is admirable and up to Tull standards, along with the thematic concept. Even though I can't claim to be the biggest fan of Scandinavian mythology, many of the ideas for the songs are pretty cool.

But evidently when it came down to glueing all the pieces together, the result doesn't seem most exciting. I found the tracks disintresting and they rarely caught my attention, apart from some very entairtaining Anderson flute playing throughout the album. And to be honest, I don't have much else to say about the album, it's a classic case of; ' it's not bad by any means, but it has been done better before'. Despite this, I believe the Tull faithful absolutely owes this album a good listen, as different ears can always find some hidden gems along the way.

And to cap off this review, the unavoidable question; will this be the last Tull album? There is always that posssibility, but I can definetely see a third album to complete a final trilogy of material from the madman himself.