SKEEM

I was slow to warm up to this one, but have finally come to at least appreciate their talent. Strong vocals with dual keyboards are the focus here.The band are from France, the vocals are in English. I wish the guitar was more prominant, because the highlights for me all pretty much involve the guitar work. I must say the sound is perfect, in fact crystal clear on this album.

"Give To One Another" is my favourite track on the album. It's a mid paced, laid back tune with atmospheric keys and some nice guitar 4 1/2 minutes in. "The Last Word" contrasts heavier sections with background synths to the brighter passages with soaring vocals. The guitar solo 5 1/2 minutes in is good, the one 2 minutes later is better. Overall i'm not sold on this one, but I am on that final guitar solo. Haha. "Trustworthy Man" is uptempo with vocals a minute in. This one reminds me of the eighties (I was there). Again the best parts involve the guitar at 3 1/2 and 5 minutes in. Not a fan of this one. "Chrysalides" opens with some good atmosphere. It reminds me of "Seasons End" actually. Then unfortunately it changes before 2 minutes as it kicks into a higher gear. Some soaring guitar 4 1/2 minutes in. Vocals are the focus on this one. More great guitar before 7 1/2 minutes.

"Eye Of The World" is spacey to start with as marching style drums come in. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in. Guitar 7 minutes in is a treat. "Statues" is an uptempo, eighties sounding song. It's fun though. Some good bass before 4 1/2 minutes. The guitar is prominant before 6 minutes and then back to the pop. "What A Night" is ballad-like to open. It picks up a notch 1 1/2 minutes in. This contrast continues. One of the better songs. "Live Fast" has this good heavy sound. The tempo picks up on the chorus. Lots of synths on this one.

The album cover is interesting with the picture of this young lady with sunglasses on. If you look into her sunglasses you can see she's looking at a big explosion. Unfortunately the music isn't quite that exciting or moving in my opinion. Although they do have a pleasant sound with good vocals.