AVALON

The cover artwork promises much and the album almost delvers. Sophisticated, at times sensual music, full of swathes of keyboards, sax and occasional bursts of guitar overlaid by Ferry's crooning vocals. It's somewhat otherworldly, not of this time and place; the only other album that feels similar is Wishbone Ash's masterpiece Argus. Highlights are the beautiful Take a Chance With Me, the opener More Than This and the title track. Some of the rest feels a bit fillerish, but there's nothing unpleasant. Main complaint is that it's very short and needed another quality track or two to provide value for money, though the recording quality is exemplary (not at all 80s) and allows the many layers to be distinguished. It's their best work and a very good 3 star album, but not quite worth the extra star.