SEVEN SECRETS

Fruupp

Symphonic Prog

3.47 | 153 ratings

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Easy Livin
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin

Devoid of oomph

The hope for Fruupp's second album "Seven secrets" was that it would see the band consolidating their fine debut, while making significant strides forward in the composition and production departments. On the plus side, the prog aspirations remain very much in situ, with six of the eight tracks running to over 7 minutes each. On the down side, in general terms "Seven secrets" not only fails to match "Future legends", but is in relative terms a disappointment.

The early Genesis influences are still very much in evidence, with tracks such as "Wise as wisdom" featuring a familiar staccato organ sound. The track though comes across as rather disjointed, wandering haphazardly between styles and sounds. Likewise, despite its length, "White eyes" has the feel of an under-developed piece, which even drifts into a lounge type shuffle at one point.

I think the main problem I have with the album is that is comes across as rather soft. Both the vocals and the instrumentation lack clarity and definition, the overall smoothness of the sound being disappointing. A little more oomph here and there, and this could have been a far more exciting experience.

Despite the guitar and keyboard breaks, even the 9 minute "Garden lady" veers close to the ambient, the impression being given that the tracks are padded due to a lack of material, rather than being long because the band has much to say.

It is only when we get to the penultimate track that we finally come across something with a bit of spirit. "Elizabeth" has a decidedly Elizabethan feel, although the burst of energy at the start of the track soon diminishes and the track settles down into the familiar downbeat mood.

With albums such as this, I run the risk over being over-critical. There is no doubt that this is a pleasant listen, and the album is certainly inoffensive. The lack of enthusiasm and inspiration though is apparent throughout, leaving an overall feeling of disappointment.

Easy Livin | 2/5 | 2008-2-8

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