FURVENT

Their debut from a year earlier blew my socks off, this not so much. I'm really surprised at the differences between the two. "Furvent" was released in 2020 and is based on a novel written by a leading neuroscientist. This record is surprisingly uniform with each track blending into the next with the female vocals and piano leading the way most of the time. The POIL trio who are the core of this band add vocals this time around but the two outstanding female singers just aren't nearly as impressive here.

An eight piece band this time from a six piece on their debut. The vibes/percussion player from the debut is gone unfortunately replaced by a marimba/toms/bells/gong player. They added a second keyboardist along with a cimbalom or hammered dulcimer player. The debut was 37 1/2 minutes this one is 60 minutes and includes an almost 19 minute opener. That track sort of encapsulates the whole album. I have to say I am disappointed with this one and I know the debut set the bar high but this one pales in comparison.

"Li(Le Feu)" the fifth track is the one that stands out in a positive way. Finally a song I can connect with and some actual depth to the music although mostly late. Still piano/vocal led though. Man that closer is one I cannot listen to. Sounding Spanish it is completely different from the rest and a tough one to get through. I can actually hear the bass on "Ken" but not for long.

This album just isn't as avant or as powerful as the debut and there were so many brilliant ideas on the first one. I can't go 4 stars here.