ACROSS THE WATER

I quite liked the first album and the follow-up EP from this band, and I was quite interested to listen to more of their music. But I have to say that "Across the Water" is far from being that good.

This album is too derivative of ..."IQ" (which is derivative of "Genesis"). Compositions are on the weak side, flat ("In Isolation"). No highlights, just a collection of average songs. Nothing fancy really. Martin plays his keys as well as he can, as Gary on guitar. Both do a very good job with their according instrument but the problem just resides in the music itself. Not in the way it is played.

Some great guitar breaks will highlight this gloomy album once in a while but not enough IMO. One exception maybe with "Daylight Fades". It is one of the longest song of this album and at least it features a catchy melody and more guitar than the other songs. But the closing part is rather wierd. Still, the only highlight.

The sound is truely like the early "IQ" on "Everywhere I Turn". Just add a poppish touch and you'll get it. Not convincing during the first part; but when the instrumental breaks get in (mainly keyboards this time) the level seriously improves. Same happens with "A Life Is All You Need". The best resides in the intrumental section. Beautiful keys, very melodic. Actually, more of these are needed.

And the story goes on with "The World on your Side". Really insipid vocals. The weakest track of this album in this respect. And it's a pity because in terms of guitar, it is just incredibly good. But vocals can ruin (even if partially) a good composition. The closing number "No Sacrifice" being a mix of mellow lyrics and slow-heavy beat. Just as the rest of this album : average.

I wouldn' t recommend this album. Musicianship is great but music is below expectations. Mine at least. Five out of ten. But since the rating system is so approximate on PA, I will downgrade it to two stars.