BEFORE AND AFTER SCIENCE

The opening track ("No One Receiving") is totally funky and can be considered as a deep influence for "Talking Heads" (even if most of "77" which was their debut album was composed in '76), but it can hardly be considered as anything prog IMHHO.

Another annoying aspect, is the poor vocal abilities from Eno in general and especially during "Blackwater". A certain early Roxy feel can be noticed in this track: same joyful and positive atmosphere. Again, this is not a bad track.

What comes next are two short pieces which could have been avoided for the benefit of the listeners ("Kurt's Rejoinder", "Energy Fools the Magician"). Even if the latter shows some decent ambient feel.

The upbeat and totally new wave oriented "King's Lead Hat" is quite funny and procures the need to jump and dance. Quite a refreshment should I say. I would be less dithyrambic about the soft ?country-rock ballad "Here He Comes". It sounds as if it was written for Elvis?

"Julie With?" sounds very much like some parts from "Low" (Bowie). No wonder you would say since Eno was involved with David during this period. What remains are some tranquil songs: from the candid and naïve "By This River", through the dramatic and cold "Through Hollow Lands" to end up with the harmonious and melancholic "Spider & I". No big deal though.

Three stars to my ears.

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