STORMS OVER STILL WATER

MA has been rather productive the recent years. A considerable amount of live albums (five) as well as DVD ones (five as well, if I am correct) between this album and their last studio work ("Passengers" released in 2003).

I have appreciated moderately MA so far. Their albums seemed a bit monotonous at times and definitely too long. Still, I admit that on each of their albums, some fabulous songs were featured (and therefore I have rated their fantastic compilation "Catch The Spirit" with five stars).

Their previous effort showed a bit of a change into their musical direction and it is confirmed with this album. Stronger rocking numbers than previously which is pretty much fine with me.

As we have been used to, the first compositionsof the album are really strong. In this case, you won't be brought into the Floydian mood like before; no : the first three songs are rather energetic, melodious and bloody good rocking songs, believe me. These songs are shorter than what we were used to with MA. Each being shorter than four minutes. But lenghty songs do not mean quality ones. In this case, holding the lenght to a very short standard, keeps the interest of the listener rather high.

The first folkish song is "Heart Of Life". A beautifully song lead by Heather (but, again, I am completely biased by her marvelous voice - but not only, I admit...). The second part of the song is rather hard and powerful though. A great mix of genre I must say. It is the first song of the album to feature a great guitar solo like we have been used to and which turned me into a MA fan to be honest.

The most Floydian song so far (not by the guitar but by the Gilmouresque type of vocals) is "The End Of Ther World". Another very pleasant song like MA has the secret about. Very strong chorus from Bryan and fabulous backing band. A great song again.

So far, this album is truely impressive. Not a single weak moment. And the next song "Black Rain" is absolutely on par : again the format is short (clocking as well at less than four minutes) but developping such a power ! Almost hard-rock but very pleasant (but you know that hard-rock is a genre I like, so...). A great song.

The short intrumental "Coming To..." starts as an Oriental gentle piece of music but turns out to be a wild one at half time. MA doesn't let us breathe. What a fabulous story so far !

Bryan takes the lead vocal on "Candle To The Sky". It starts as a folkish ballad (which is MA's trademark by the way). The chorus is pretty influenced by "The Dark Side Of The Moon". But I guess that there are less impressive inspiration, right ? It is the first long song of the album (over eight minutes). Fantastic rhythm after three minutes, really. We'll revert to a softer climate after five minutes and the song will finish with a spacey finale (would you believe, a bit like Floyd !) . Some three minutes to rest a bit, finally. Another very good MA moment.

The first truely prog / folk song is "Carpe Diem". A violin intro, and then... the sublime Heather. Only backed up with some very simple piano notes. A very intimist moment, really. And then... the sublime guitar break we are all waiting for. If you have read my previous MA reviews, you know how they sound like. These moments are really the ones I am expecting from MA; and frankly this studio album is the one I prefer. MA at his best.

In these Floydianless years, it is really a pleasure to discover such beautiful songs. And don't tell me that they sound too much like....bla, bla, bla... MA is great, full of emotion (and you know how much I am influenced by my emotions) and respectful. Hats off, my friends.

The title track is a bit weaker. Just a normal song I would say. Probably because all the other ones reached the masterpiece status. When Bryan takes up with the lead vocals, something happens again. I can't help. I am found of his warm voice which undoubfully reminds me ... you know whom I am talking about of course. The final guitar break reminds me of the same fabulous guy (hi Dave). So, here again, this song ends up as a superb composition.

Stop, please. I'm going to faint. Physically.

I have been listening to this album quite a lot and always have thought that it was their best studio work. Having listened attentively to each track for the purpose of this review, I cannot find any weakness in this album. Pure happiness (du pur bonheur).

If ever you would buy only one MA album, I STRONGLY recommend this one. I just cannot rate this album with less than five stars.