FRAGMENTS

At times sounding much like another RPWL recording (and that isn't such a bad thing), this work throws occasional curveballs. Some hit the heart of the plate for strikes (i.e. good things) while others are completely out of the strike zone (not good). The collaboration with RPWL's Chris Postl with Magenta's Christine Booth, Pallas' Alan Reed, as well as (gasp!) Alan Parsons' former Project-mate Ian Bairnson yields some very intriguing results.

The CD opener is a 13+ minute long work titled "Longings End", which takes the listener through many changes, some real toe-tapping segues, and the feel of (at most parts) an RPWL melody of different songs. Like the first reviewer said, one of the truly fascinating gimmicks employed in this song is the playing and singing of two notes in the chorus ("Next stop....") with a break in voice and instrumentation before picking up the rest of the lyric and melody.

There's alot to like on this project, and alot of promise for more good things should this collaboration take a second plunge. There are moments that seem awkward and don't really work, but when Postl hits it right, he really lights it up. Definitely a release of interest for fans of RPWL and Magenta. This neo-progressive project will have you going back for more and more, picking up what you might have missed before.

Very bold but laudable undertaking by Mr. Postl. I hope this project continues.

4.25 stars