A STORY TWO DAYS WIDE

3.5 stars. Another enjoyable release from this band although the music on their previous record "Children" is much superior in my opinion. I also found the production and the liner notes to be much better on "Children". It's maybe not so surprising that the Kinesis label would choose this for their last release before closing up that part of their business. I say that because ILUVATAR's debut was up to that point the best selling album for that label back then.This record doesn't seem to be as dynamic and alive as the "Children" recording, but maybe this one is just more mature and laid back. I love the title by the way.

"Sojourns" sounds so soothing once the intro is over.The keys and vocals feel like home to me.MARILLION is once again the closest reference to the sounds these guys create.There is mellotron in this song,and the tempo does change several times. "Savant" opens with gentle guitar and mellotron as reserved vocals come in. Vocals become more passionate 2 minutes in. More mellotron a minute later. Tasteful guitar solo 6 1/2 minutes in. "Dreaming With The Lights On" opens with a guitar / synth melody that comes back later. Vocals lead the way,although the organ runs are a nice touch. Guitar solo 6 minutes in.

"Holidays And Miracles" reminds me of MARILLION at the beginning. This is a mid-paced song that is fairly restrained until 6 minutes in when it shifts into a higher gear. "Better Days" has a definite RUSH feel to the intro as it's quite powerful. Vocals and an uptempo melody follows. It settles down with mellotron. Even the strummed guitar brings Lifeson to mind. Good song. "Even Angels Fall" is a mellow track with acoustic guitar. It's ok. "Indian Rain" is the epic at over 15 minutes in length. It's raining as a pastoral soundscape is heard. Vocals and a full sound take over. Check out the extended guitar solo after 5 minutes. It's tranquil 7 minutes in and mellotron arrives before 8 minutes. Organ after 9 minutes. An uplifting section before 12 minutes but when that's over it drags on too long.

A must for you Hogarth era MARILLION fans out there.