SHORT STORIES

By mid-90's the duo of Max Hunt and Rupert Willder had added a third regular member to the core of Tantalus, it was Steve Meston, who played the bass and sung the backing vocals on the upcoming second effort of the band ''Short stories''.However the 2002 version of the album would be completed with a pair of numbers, where several guest musicians participated, so these pieces were technically performed by a normal full-band.This work originally came out independently in 1996.

For the most of its length ''Short stories'' is easily comparable to the previous Tantalus album albeit much more uneven.Stylistically it sounds like classic British Neo Prog, where you can encounter several poppy vibes, melodic touches and even post-New Wave atmospheres.As a result the material is rather average, guitar and keyboard works are mostly decent and the vocals come in an emotional manner, but the music is pretty easy-listening and not particularly memorable, recallng JADIS' weaker moments or even compatriots Jump's commercial principles.Additionally some of the keyboard values are pretty pale, while the generally slow tempos make this one sounds a bit monotonous, despite the good songwriting efforts.All these are valid till' reaching ''Wherever you turn'', this is some pretty tasteful Neo Prog with both synth and organ runs and some complex moves reminiscent of ABEL GANZ and even some Classical touches in the keyboard parts.Even better is the following ''Toccata & fugue in D minor'', title says it all, this is dramatic, all instrumental Symphonic Rock with E.L.P. and Italian Prog vibes, featuring Neo-Classical guitar leaks and powerful organ themes, do not wonder why, this is the first piece on the album performed by the normal full band credited on the CD.The other one is the closing ''Can't say no'', a beautiful, laid-back electroacoustic ballad with some PINK FLOYD influences and emotional vocals.

Original version of ''Short stories'' is rather thin Neo Prog/Melodic Rock with no particular highlights.The 2002 issue with the bonus tracks is pretty attractive and comes recommended, so this is propably the one to choose of the pair...2.5 stars for the original entry.