BRIEF NOCTURNES AND DREAMLESS SLEEP

Before this album, I hadn't really listened to much Spock's Beard. I knew a few songs (All on a Sunday, Emperor's Clothes), but this album was the first real encounter I've had with the band and their music. The style of the album is heavy yet melodic and symphonic, blending the best aspects of bands like ELP, Genesis and Yes.

Hiding Out:

My favourite from the album. A fantastic opener that sets the tone for the album. The chorus is one of the most beautiful melodies that I've heard this year so far. The music and instrumentation is attention grabbing, with heavy rock riffs appearing throughout the track. Overall, a great, standout track. 8.5/10

I Know Your Secret:

Opens with an intriguing but catchy riff, which appears later in the song. A slightly more aggressive track than the opener, it features punchy bass guitar and a memorable groove in 9/8 in the chorus. It's not a bad song at all, but it doesn't leave the impression that 'Hiding Out' does. 7.5/10

A Treasure Abandoned:

The start of this song is reminiscent of Genesis' Trespass album, with gentle guitar and flute. The odd time signatures in this song make for a more interesting ride. This is another quite melodic track which keeps interest throughout by utilising changes of tone: there are some parts which are very gentle and beautiful, while other sections are heavier. The only negative point is the length: at nearly nine minutes it feels a little stretched out and unnecessarily long. 8/10

Submerged:

The most pop-ish song on the album. Has a catchy chorus, but unfortunately that is its only redeeming factor. It's not a bad track, but it isn't the best from this album. 6.5/10

Afterthoughts:

A crunchy guitar opens this song with a hard rocking riff. The music feels deliberately 'silly' at some points, but it's pulled off well. Multi-layered vocals feature about halfway through, and are executed well. The main riff that holds this song together is great, and the solos are a fantastic addition. 8/10

Something Very Strange:

Processed, robotic, Daft Punk-sounding vocals open this track before a complex melody is played on the keys, which is added to by guitar and drums. The real star instrument in this song is the keyboard, but the bass is also quite prominent in the verses and choruses, which are fantastic. The instrumental section is a little boring at times, though. 7.5/10

Waiting For Me:

The longest song on the album (at nearly 13 minutes). After a 2 minute instrumental opening, the first verse starts at a quick tempo, and the chorus that follows almost sounds like it could be found on an album like Santana's 'Marathon'. It's quite pop-ish and funky, in a good way. There's a slower section about halfway through the song which is good also. The instrumental section is great, and main theme of the song ends both the song and the album on a good note. 8.5/10

Average: 78/100 = 4/5