SEVEN SECRETS

"Fruupp" (what a weird name !) released a good debut album and this one had to confirm if the band would equal their debut work or not. If I should answer this question after the opening number, the answer would be : no.

This long and jazzy / folkish instrumental opening part is nothing from the other world. "Faced with Shekinah" only starts to be interesting towards the last three minutes while displaying a fully "Trespass-esque" mood. Since I am so in love with this album I was just deeply attracted.

The jazzy orientation is as obvious during most of "Wise As Wisdom". I am really missing their great and pure symphonic prog of their debut. In such a short period of time (a matter of months), their sound is quite different. So far. And this mood is fully on board again during the final part of "White Eyes". Tranquil jazz music. Not what I had expected from the band after their beautiful symphonic "Future Legends".

"Garden Lady" does not really break with the jazz genre either; but at least Vincent McKusker will release a great guitar solo. Nonetheless, this nine minute song is not essential, to say the least. Soporific for most of it.

The same lethargic feeling prevails during the folkish "Three Spires". They should have titled it "Uninspires". Dull, dull, dull. And "Elizabeth" is just on par. A medieval start and a boring and mellowish vocal part. This is real bad. Nothing to do with their brilliant symphonic music I was waiting for. Gosh ! what happened ???

This album should have been titled "Six Secrets" since the closing track (the seventh one) only lasts for sixty-eight seconds. Useless.

This album would better sit in the jazz section. Not for me. It is a MAJOR disapointment. I don't like it AT ALL. Two stars. But I wonder why I rate it so high.