THE ACOUSTIC VERSES

I have to thank Evenless for moving me to purchase this record because I wasn't going to bother considering this is an acoustic album. Tchort says in the liner notes that "The experimentation peaks with this new acoustic album...we've pushed ourselves to the limit of what still fits under the name GREEN CARNATION". He goes on to say that this record captures much of their identity in acoustic form.The melanchoilic melodies, as well as the dark, unique and beautiful sounds. I would say this has more in common with OPETH's "Damnation" than with PAIN OF SALVATION's "12:5".

I was thinking that "Sweet Leaf" might be a cover of the song from my favourite BLACK SABBATH record "Master of Reality" but no it's not. This is a melancholic song with acoustic guitar and vocals. Drums come in after a minute, creating a really nice beat. I like the melody towards the end of the song when the vocals stop and you just hear acoustic guitar and keys, it reminds me of PORCUPINE TREE. "The Burden is Mine...Alone" is such a haunting song with touching lyrics. The acoustic guitar throughout is fantastic ! "Maybe ?" features piano, vocals and drums that lead the way until the spacey sounds of the therimin comes in after 2 minutes and later after 4 minutes. "Alone" is based on an Edgar Allan Poe poem with violin, acoustic guitar and vocals the focus. "9-29-045" is over 15 minutes long with mellotron and cello both making an appearance in this epic. The song takes a while to get going but I love the keys with acoustic guitar melody 6 minutes in. It comes back in a similar way after 9 minutes and continues. I really like the "House of Cards" section of this song. "Child's Play Part 3" is a continuation of parts one and two from the album "The Quiet Offspring". On that album the first part was mellow and mournful with acoustic guitar, while part two had some beautiful piano melodies with fragile vocals. I tell you this because the third part here fits right in with the piano dominating the song with some nice melodies. No lyrics. The final song "High Tide Waves" is ok with the vocals being the focus and some violin as well.

It took me some time to really warm up to this album, but it was worth the effort.Tchort has done it again !