IF

Well, I think this is almost a comeback album after the rather big break with the tradition album Three Cheers for the Broken-Hearted. Thankfully, If is a return to the epic symphonic prog tradition.

The vocals reminds me a lot about Jon Anderson & Yes. But I would not say this album and Glass Hammer is clones. Genesis is also a pretty big factor here and so is Spock's Beard. In other words; If is somewhere in this landscape. The sound though is very contemporary and very much 2010'ish.

The quality of the songs are all great. It does take a while to "get" the songs to sit perfectly. But after 8-10 listening sessions, the flowers here are in full bloom. If is by no means instant coffee.

All songs has great melody lines, but not throughout. Hence I am withholding the final star. But this album is still a cracking great symphonic prog album in my view and not at least; my ears. There are a lot of details here and great melody lines. The best song is in my view Behold The Ziddle and an hour flies fast in company with this great album. The art work too is great and this also makes this one of the better albums from 2010. Glass Hammer has returned. Hurray !!!

4 stars