EGG THE UNIVERSE

"Teru's Symphonia" needed three years to release their second album. I had a mixed feeling about their debut (especially about the lead singer who is also featured here). Actually, Megumi Tokuhisa (that's her name) will remain in the band up to "The Gate"; their last album !

The long opening number starts with a long and atmospheric instrumental part; fully spacey and well done. Since the vocals start, this feeling has fully disappeared and the toneless voice of dear Megumi partially ruins it. I have to say that I like to hear lots of languages (having learned myself some) but I can't help : Japaneese is too hard for me to bear, sorry. And unfortunately, there are much more of these on this album in comparison to their debut one. The second part of "Metancholic Garden" is fully bombastic : thunders of keys and crying guitar.

The very subtle acoustic background guitar in "Drawer Of Night" has definite "Genesis" flavour; if you would except the vocals of course. These will give you the feeling that you are listening to a classic piece of Asian art...This song is extremely mellow, sweet and pastoral. But tasteless after one minute. More folkish than symph.

With "You", the most ridicule is achieved. The chorus sounds so childish. I guess that if you'd play this one to some five years-old kids, they might appreciate. But I'm almost fifty...

"Teras For A Hamit" is a very special song. It starts as an awful electro-pop song, switches to a pleasant folkish style and continues with a brilliant symphonic passage. The end being again useless. Half this song is good, or bad according your mood. Just like "Mildah".

In their debut album, the last two (and longest) songs saved the album. On this one there is only the closing number left. The initial part of it (instrumental would you believe!) is brilliant. Close to "ELP"; it was already the case for "Symphonia 1", the counterpart of this "Egg Of The Universe". Or even "Vangelis" with "Chariots Of Fire". But the middle part is leading nowhere. Jazzy, improvised style, Broadway comedy. A big farce, that's for sure. The end being bombastic and enjoyable.

I am really embarrassed in terms of rating. My fellow reviewers rated it so high (but with no comments, so I don't know what was the kick for them). This album just doesn't work for me. Very few real good moments. Three out of ten rounded up to two stars.