THE CRIME

This is the debut of Neo-Prog band GREY LADY DOWN released in 1994.They're from the UK and feature drummer Mark Robothom who go on to play in THIEVE'S KITCHEN. Certainly the synths, drums and vocals dominate the sound here. It's kind of cool that they have a "Crime" Part One and Two on this album, and a Part Three on their "Fear" album.They put them all together on their final live record for an interesting 33 minutes suite.

"12:02" opens with samples before the music kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes. Vocals follow and they are the focus. "All You Join Hands" is drums and synth led as vocals join in in this energetic and catchy track. "Thrill Of It All" features laid back guitar to start as reserved vocals join in. It kicks in after 2 minutes.This is better with the synths and drums out front. "The Ballad Of Billy Grey (The Crime Part One)" opens with spacey synths and electronic-like sounds. A beat before a minute. It settles before 3 minutes as reserved vocals follow. It picks up before 8 1/2 minutes.

"Circus Of Thieves" has a good guitar intro then synths and drums join in.Vocals before a minute as it picks up. Not a fan when it settles down, especially of the vocals. Contrasts continue. "Annabel" has some fairly heavy guitar early along with pounding drums. It settles 1 1/2 mjinutes in as reserved vocals join in then it picks up again. A guitar solo after 4 1/2 minutes then the vocals return late. "The Fugitive (The Crime Part Two)" is energetic to start. It settles before 3 minutes and relaxed vocals join in. It picks back up before 5 minutes. It settles back again as contrasts continue.

A good debut but I prefer their "Fear" album more and would suggest starting there.