NOT EVERYBODY'S GOLD

Songwriting matures yet again as Salem Hill continues its metamorphosis from neo-prog masters ("Robbery of Murder") to symphonic prog explorers on the album "Not Everybody's Gold". Even the casual listener is provided with more than enough catchy hooks and flashy pop flourishes to hold their attention. Odd meters are liberally sprinkled throughout the predominantly 4/4 backdrop. Unless you absolutely abhor sweet vocal harmonies, pop hooks, and the occasional pompous keyboard line, given the chance, this album so effectively blurs the distinction between guilty pleasure and prog gem that you can't help falling in love with it.

"Not Everybody's Gold" aptly sets the tone for the group of songs to follow with the powerful and up-tempo "Prelude".. On the whole, this album is faster, bouncier and more complex than its predecessor "Robbery of Murder".

"Riding the Fence" quickly reinforces the notion with a "Kansas in overdrive" flavor. The piano section in the middle bristles with excitement and energy! Catchy melodies combine with toe tapping odd meters throughout the album on poppy proggers like "Let Loose the Arrow" and "January". A couple of slower songs ("The Last Enemy" and "We Don't Know") are sprinkled in to provide us the chance to catch our breath every now and again.

Salem Hill continues their improbable streak of "one-upping" themselves with every subsequent studio album with 27+ minutes of prog wonderment on the closer "Sweet Hope Suite".