AFTER...

"No Attachements" is a production that should appeal to those who tend to enjoy art rock with a mainstream rock orientation. The main emphasis is on mood and melody; the songs are relatively short and always accessible, while gentle post rock flavoring and some smoothly contrasting arrangements cater for the main levels of sophistication. A pleasant and enjoyable disc that should appeal to a traditional rock audience just as much as to an art rock one.

After.. have been around for almost 10 years now, but this is just their third studio album in that time. For this release, they have signed up with Poland's specialist label Metal Mind Productions, who once again put their well honed production and promotion skills to fine use. The band consists of four members whose names end in ..'ski', plus guitarist Czarek Bregier, assistance on the project coming from members of the acclaimed Pineapple Thief.

The album opens in upbeat fashion with a straightforward rock/metal number 'All Left Behind'. There is an admirable energy to the song which is driven along by a pulsating guitar riff. Thereafter we are treated to a decent disparity of styles, including the Bowie- esque 'Enchanted' the Porcupine Tree like 'Summer Fuss' and the Uriah Heep style sound of 'Carried by the wind'. Perhaps the dominant mood though is that of the generally American indie rock bands of recent years, with hints of Post Rock thrown in for good measure.

Who it is that is the subject 'The mention... ' is, is not revealed, but from the starkness of the lyrics I am sure they will be all too aware themselves! Musically though, this is one the album's most dynamic songs.

Throughout the album, the band display a well justified confidence in their abilities, both in terms of song-writing and performance. The twin guitars of Brekier and Tyminski are used mainly to drive the sound rather than as solo instruments, the melodies being carried almost exclusively through the vocals of Krysiek Drogowski.

Overall, an impressive and highly enjoyable release. While the album is geared towards the mainstream, there are enough prog nuances throughout to please most prog fans.

The first few songs are in the same vein. Not truly really bad, but they don't shine either. It takes a while before we get into the more interesting part of the album. It also takes a while to adjust to the vocals, which I am not very impressed with. Wondered what it would have sounded like if one of the songs was done in Polish? If the overall atmosphere of the album is ok, I found the sound and production lacking clarity.

Things start to get interesting at track 5 and following. "I wounded" stands out by just having more emotional vocals along some nice piano. "Dreams Hangs on Wall" is the best one here with the flute accents and seems more progressive. "Cleaning From Scars" is a little heavier and the guitars more present. This song is one of the best of this album. Hopefully future release will be more in line with this musical direction.

There is also an interesting cover of the song "Spiders" from System of a Down, obviously toned down. It has some merits, but as with many covers, I still prefer the original. I just wanted to dig down my System of a Down CD and play it instead. So consider this, this cover is one of the highlight of this album. Need I say more?

A decent effort from that band, but I find it a little bland. Sometimes I have the impression to get just more of the same and get distracted from the music. It feels like good background music, no more no less. There are some signs of potential. However, I need to get excited a little more to give it 3 stars. 2 Stars plus.

"Hillside Of Dreams" opens with heavy drums and the song kicks in before a minute. It settles some when the vocals arrive. Contrasts continue. Some nice bass in this one. Keyboards end this excellent opener. "Fingers" opens with piano as percussion then vocals arrive. Drums and bass 1 1/2 minutes in as the sound gets fuller. It's still laid back though. It turns heavy before 4 minutes and the vocals are more passionate. "Senses Confuse Reality" hits the ground running. It settles some when the vocals come in. Nice chunky bass after a minute. Just a great sound to this one. I like the guitar solo before 3 1/2 minutes. "Waiting For" opens with a full sound as vocals join in. I really like when the vocals return 3 minutes in. Beautiful soundscape here. It's heavy before 4 1/2 minutes with fat bass lines. Great sound when it settles with piano a minute later. "Hideout" kicks in fairly quickly then settles with vocals. The bass is prominant as usual. It kicks back in as contrasts continue. Pleasant guitar before 3 minutes that goes on and on. Synths follow to end it.

"Healing Our Sorrows" features bass, drums and piano that all sound incredible. The guitar comes in lighting it up. Vocals replace the guitar. "Fly On" is an instrumental. Some cool guitar that cries out as the sound builds. "Reflecting Me" sounds fantastic with that bass / drum intro then it kicks in with guitar. It settles when the vocals arrive and contrasts continue. "Looking For Each Other" opens with piano, cymbals and vocals. Guitar before a minute then drums and bass come in. This is such an uplifting and moving track. "The End" is the 11 1/2 minute closer. Drums and bass stand out to start. Heavy guitar follows. Vocals replace the guitar. Love the growly bass. It's heavy again. Synths after 5 1/2 minutes. Almost TOOL-like drums and bass 7 minutes in followed by a calm. Spoken words come in and it's building. Some great guitar 9 minutes in that lasts until after 11 minutes.

AFTER... continue to impress with this their sophomore album.

"Closed Shame" is such a great opening track with that melancholic atmosphere to open with flute from guest Jacek Zasada (QUIDAM). Guitar before a minute as we get some heaviness. The tempo picks up as it kicks in. Nice. Strummed guitar then vocals before 2 1/2 minutes as the sound changes completely.This is amazing ! A haunting calm after 4 minutes then it kicks back in with guitar out in front. "Away" opens with bass and an eerie guitar line. Drums join in then reserved vocals. It kicks in on the chorus. Keyboards arrive as it settles. Contrasts continue. "Between Shadows" opens with strummed guitar as bass joins in then a full sound. It settles some when the vocals arrive. Great chorus on this one, it's so uplifting. Tasteful guitar before 3 minutes that ends after 4 minutes when the vocals and a PORCUPINE TREE-like atmosphere takes over. It kicks back in and it's so emotional as he cries "After night time is over".

"Wonderful Mistake" is the song that hooked me on this band. A drop dead gorgeous track. Orchestral keys and a sound that's so rich and lush. Very atmospheric. "I Wounded" features keyboards and reserved vocals. "Dreams Hang On Walls" has a brighter mood to it. Different sounds come and go. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes. The chorus is catchy and powerful. Melancholic guitar 2 minutes in and flute a minute later. It then kicks in. Great sound. "Spiders" is a SYSTEM OF A DOWN song that they cover. Sad keys to open as drums, bass then vocals join in. It kicks in before 2 1/2 minutes with some killer guitar. Then it settles right down after 3 minutes. "Cleaning From Scars" features those orchestral keys with guitar as drums and vocals join in quickly. Great instrumental sound after 4 minutes. "Kite" is the longest track and the only instrumental. Love the dark atmosphere to open. It turns heavy 2 1/2 mintes in. Incredible ! Check out the bass ! Go Colin ! It settles around 4 minutes. Guitar comes to the fore 5 1/2 minutes in soloing tastefuly. Atmosphere with people talking in the background take over.The keys are back after 8 minutes.

4.5 stars for this beauty. The next time I want a band added here i'll just ask Phideaux to do it.Thanks Phideaux !