SONIC ORIGAMI

3 years after the very good Sea Of Light comes Sonic origami. Expectations were high since Sea of light was their first album since the 70´s that really rescue their past glories. The new line up that includes Bernie Shaw and Phil Lanzon had proved themselves as a great live act, but their first two studio albums were very weak (Raging Silence and Differente Worlds). So I was eager to hear if Sea Of Light was just an accident or the band really had found their way to be relevant again in the studio. Fortunatly, it was the latter case. In fact, Sonic Origami turned out to be even a better affair than Sea Of Light!

The album kicks off with the powerful Between Two Worlds, a great number that brings n mind other early classics like Easy Livin´. But there are many highlights in this album. In fact, I did not find a single filler in the entire CD. Even the bonus track Sweet Pretender is a fine number and I´m glad I got the CD that has it. compared to Sea Of Light this work is more proggy and the song The Golden Palace should be mentined for its bold arrangement and progressive structure. What a great tune! The songwriting partnership of Box and Lanzon has really worked out beyond any expectations. The whole band found a new style while kept UH´s best trademark features. Some songs take some more time than others to really get all their subtleties and the album as a whole grows on each new listening.

Another interesting track is the cover version for the Survivor song Across The Miles. It does not really add much to the album, but shows once again that Bernie Shaw is an extraordinary and versatile singer. He shines as the best frontman UH could ever had after the late David Byron. And the band is on excellent form, working as a unit with every solo or backing vocal falling into place seemlessly. All arrangements are tasteful and convincing.

Conclusion: a wonderful surprise, 70 minutes of pure pleasure. Fans of the classic Uriah Heep should not miss this one. The new line up (not so new, I know) proved to honor the band´s past while they opened a new door to the future. Far from a nostalgia act, those talented musicians show us that they are aging like wine. 4,5 stars. Highly recommend!