CHOCOLATE KINGS

This was a surprise for me mainly because they just sounded different. The romance is all but gone, and in it's place a more Symphonic / GENESIS flavour. Even the new vocalist (the former ACQUA FRAGILE singer) reminds me of a cross between Gabriel and Collins. It took a while to get used to this change, but once I did, I have to say I am impressed. It will be another 30 years before we get anything as classic as this.

"From Under" opens with outbursts of instrumental sections which are contrasted with calmer passages. Vocals and flute then lead the way until it kicks into gear after 2 minutes. Violin 4 minutes in followed by mellotron and synths before 5 minutes. It picks up again with some nice bass. The drumming is fantastic here. "Harlequin" features those quivering vocals with bass, acoustic guitar and drums standing out. The tempo picks up 4 minutes in thankfully as we get some killer bass and drum work. Violin starts to rip it up. A calm 7 minutes in as flute and keys take over to end it..

"Chocolate Kings" is a bright and uptempo track. The bass is killer ! Fun song. Aggressive guitar before 1 1/2 minutes with violin coming in a minute later. "Out On The Roundabout" opens with gentle guitar and a mellow sound before it kicks into gear after 1 1/2 minutes with vocals. This contrast continues. Violin 3 minutes in. An uptempo melody of guitar and keys before 5 minutes. Vocals are back a minute later. Liquid keys after 7 minutes as it settles again. Great tune. "Paper Charms" opens with a slow paced melody of synths, organ and vocals for 3 minutes. Then it becomes faster paced as violin and some active drumming comes in. It settles again with violin leading the way this time after 5 minutes.The contrast continues.

I prefer their earlier albums for sure, but this really is certainly worth having. A low 4 stars.