THE STORM INSIDE

This is a fine debut for the Dutch band LIKE WENDY. It's contains lots of laid back and mellow sections which are contrasted with those fuller passages. I was reminded of MARILLION a lot especially their later more atmospheric albums like "Somewhere Else".

"Blue Velvet Skies" opens with a heart beat as synths roll in then a full sound with guitar. It settles with vocals 1 1/2 minutes in. Contrasts continue. "Another Day" opens with keys and fragile vocals. It picks up and changes 1 1/2 minutes in. It's building but then it settles back. This is good. It picks up again 5 1/2 minutes in as contrasts continue. Nice guitar 10 minutes in. "Falling Star" is laid back with vocals throughout. "Birth" is again mellow with vocals. It kicks in before 3 1/2 minutes but the tempo continues to change a lot. Guitar solo 5 1/2 minutes in. Quite an uptempo section after 9 minutes.

"Prince X" is another MARILLION-like beauty of relaxed vocals and music. It turns BEATLES-like before 3 minutes though. Some nice guitar here. "The Storm Inside" features strummed guitar, synths and reserved vocals. It sounds better after 4 minutes when it picks up. It settles back before 8 minutes. "Never Abandon" opens with piano as fragile vocals join in. It's fuller 1 1/2 minutes in and synths and drums lead after 2 1/2 minutes. The tempo picks up 4 1/2 minutes in. "Shine On Memory" opens with gentle guitar and synths. Reserved vocals before a minute. A change 2 minutes in as vocals stop and the guitar comes in. The tempo picks up after 4 1/2 minutes and vocals return. It settles with piano after 7 minutes then kicks back in a minute later with some good guitar.

For many this is their favourite LIKE WENDY album but for me this down the list a bit. Good album though.