THE GREAT PROPHECY OF A SMALL MAN

Modest Midget are a strange beast with some eccentric approaches to their music, a smattering of humour and a plethora of inspirational instrumental breaks. The vocals are very nice on this and quite unique. The guitar by Ziblat is a drawcard along with the infectious melodies.

There are many highlights that jump out as you listen to this. Contemporary Ache has an excellent guitar hook with great soloing with speed picking and sweeps, and a gorgeous melody permeates the track. The ending is fabulous, all that twiddling on guitar is genius.

Troubles in Heaven is a short little gem with a cool melody, once again the ending is nice; very transient music.

Coffee from Yesterday is a short instrumental with superb guitar licks that drive it. Back from my Trip is a melodic easy listening treat, with wonderful guitar effects and some bizarre humour thrown in.

Home seek has vocals mixed to the front that are strong and clear to an acoustic arrangement. There are some beautiful harmonies too and it builds to a scorching lead break and organ freakout.

Baby is a sweet natured humourous ditty with cute musical box embellishments and a nice piano. The reflective vocals are like Hammill without the darkness.

Jorge Knows How Difficult a Musician's Life Can be, but then Again, Who Doesn't? is a great song title worth remembering, the music itself is polyrhythmic signatures on guitar and percussion, and is perhaps the most progressive on the whole album, though still only runs for 4 minutes. The violin is divine on this, absolutely the definitive highlight.

Evolution is a satire with a lot of organ grinding and is mainly instrumental, and the band really take off on this one.

I came, I saw, I left is kind of bluesy with ethereal arrangements and is lengthy for the band clocking 5.30. The guitars are awesome on this instrumental with slides and swells that are kind of psychedelic.

The last Straw ends it all with a song structure complete with pretty melody and clean high falsetto vocals reminiscent of Paul McCartney's style.

All in all this is an enjoyable album with some really inspired moments. It is not very progressive but it is entertaining, non threatening and easy on the ears. 3 solid stars.