RESTORATION

Too many bands reunite for all the wrong reasons and then proceed to show us that they can no longer sing, write, play or arrange. Amazing Blondel's first album as a trio since 1973 seems to result from a genuine desire to come together as a band. The general basis for their sound remains intact - the almost entirely acoustic ancient instrumentation, the vocal harmonies, the well played quaint dances of honour. Sure it's more subdued than what came in the early 70s, but what can one expect? They must all have been well into their 50s by 1997, and the compositions reflect...well, the reflective spirit of middle age. Nothing wrong with that, and in fact you might even say that the style is more suited to the grey haired to begin with. So all's well right?

Not really. Where are the really soaring harmonies, the rambunctious yet controlled melodies, the showmanship? It's just TOO sedate for words, from the opening Latin prayer right through the proceedings. This disappointing CD just never takes off, but at the same time makes me feel guilty for not liking it. It has all the raw ingredients but commits the great sin of sounding unenthusiastic, independent of what the band was feeling as they created the oeuvre. This might explain why it appears to have been a one off. It's like a restored mechanical device that looks good behind glass, but simply can't pass muster in its original environment.