THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS

This is Caravan's first "proper" studio album of the 1990s - and their only one of all-original material. Though Cool Water was rounded out with a few tracks set down by a cobbled-together lineup, the bulk of it came from old Arista-era tapes from the late 1970s; the band's other studio efforts from the decade would all be re-recordings of old material.

The line-up here would certainly look promising to any Caravan fan: band founders Pye Hastings, Richard Coughlan, and Dave Sinclair are all onboard, as is the long-serving Geoffrey Richardson, and the album also marks the start of Jim Leverton's long stint on bass. Pye's brother Jimmy is guesting, as he frequently did in the past, and behind the production desk is Pye's son Julian; the proliferation of Hastings in the studio inspired the album title, naturally.

What of the music we get? Well, it's more sunny, mellow Caravan pop numbers. For those who are only interested in the proggier side of Caravan's sound, this is likely to be a disappointment - but it shouldn't be a surprise. From at least as far back as Better By Far, Caravan seem to have been disinterested in writing new prog material - and why should they, when their classic-period epics still get rapturous receptions live? - and have focused instead on the poppier side of their sound which might not be what endeared them to the prog crowd, but was unquestionably a component of their portfolio as far back as their debut album.

When it comes to Caravan's pop-era albums, I'd say this is acceptable, enjoyable stuff, roughly on a tier with Better By Far, but I wouldn't say it is quite as charming as The Album or Back To Front. It's pleasant, relaxing, but forgettable - background music Caravan to soothe you when you are in a foul mood, perhaps.