IN DEEP

The band signed a smash hit on their previous album (Hold On Your Head Up") and pursued in that direction with "God Gave Rock & Roll To You". But even if commercially successful, this studio version never really convinced me.

I far much prefer the heavy rock "It's Only Money" (part one) with its infectious beat and great organ break. This is how I like the band the most. Heavy and effective rock. But part two though doesn't provide the same feeling at all, unfortunately. Some sort of loose psychedelic and chaotic trip.

The rock ballad "Losing Hold" is another fine moment of this good album so far. Nothing grandiose, but a decent recording;

"Be Glad" has a more complex structure and is more related with prog. Rod is delivering a very good keys piano break in the middle part: first on the piano, which sounds almost classical. A harder organ attack is following and the whole is combined just before the upbeat and bluesy finale. My fave track so far.

After the melancholic and avoidable "Christmas For Free", the more serious "Candles On The River" brings us back the heavier riffs. Hypnotic, psychedelic with a tint of blues: this is another highlight from this album. The best part is again the middle organ one. I really like these sounds which can be compared to the contemporary Hensley's ones.

It is just a pity that the album closes on a blunder: "Rosie" is really pitiful. The good news is that the CD version holds a great bonus track. The long version of "Hold Your Head Up" is always a pleasure to listen to. It is a great moment of rock music indeed. It is my favourite song from the band ever.

Another good "Argent" album. On the edge of the heavy prog genre. Three stars.