HIGH TIDE

High Tide

Heavy Prog

3.77 | 182 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer

In a year's time, the band has matured quite a bit. Their second album also benefited of a much better production work which was not a difficult task when compared to their debut.

Simon House is still grandiose on the violin and vocals from Tony Hill are as close from Morrison than on their debut album. The opening track Blankman Cries Again is mostly instrumental and it is a showcase for Simon. He is really good in his play. The song is somewhat repetitive but it remains a very good piece of dark and heavy music.

Most of this album is made of instrumental parts which at times are rather jam oriented. It is the feeling I had with The Joke even if the final section features good violin (again) and sounds almost as a folk track.

The closing song (yes, only three tracks on the original album) Saneonymous that clocks at almost fifteen minutes, is more a collection of different songs than a one and only epic. Several parts (4) can be easily identified (there is a blank between each of them).

The first section is instrumental (as most of the album as I have already said) and is well in line with the heavy terminology. It last for about four minutes of pure violin joy. But not the classic and symphonic one: it is wild throughout. At times this sound reminds me Flock (even if both bands played in different categories).

The second one features fine vocals and is smoother, more polished and even mellow. Needless to say that the sustaining violin is superb. It is a great contrast with the following part which is very much like an improvisation. Great drumming and strong bass overall. And guess what: the forefront is 100% dedicated to the sublime violin. Even if it sounds more chaotic, this section is not shy of the other ones. The fourth and last part which lasts for about four minutes is the more melodic and catchy one. It develops a great melancholic feeling, the finale is just a wonderful and bombastic

In all, this album sounds less heavy than their debut and the prog feeling is more prominent. The first two albums from High Tide are available on one CD (but without bonus tracks).

This guy (Simon) really needs a standing ovation. He IS the heart & soul of this band. Without him, these two releases wouldn't have had the same appreciation, that's for sure.

Three stars for this second High Tide album.

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 | 2008-10-20

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