INFINIEN

One band for whom the term "sophomore slump" certainly applies as the promise shown in their very proggy debut album, 2006's How to Accept, remains unrealized. The band seems to have lost a little of its sense of direction, sense of identity, as the songs on this album seem to go in many directions (quite often toward Chrissie's torch song leanings) and not really ever establishing a 'comfort zone.' Chrissie's vocals and stories often feel quite misaligned with the music playing out beneath.

Five star songs: 2. "'Acquatica'" (5:57) (9/10); the emotional, RIKKIE LEE JONES-like torch song, 5. "Trivial Pursuit" (7:13) which does jump into a nice jazz-fusion section in the second half (13.5/15); the excellent, 10. "Perpetual Twilight" (9:47) sounds as if it came from either a Freddy HUBBARD album from the 70s or JANE SIBERRY's 1989 classic 'live,' in- the-studio record, Bound By The Beauty. The frenetic sections are the best. (18/20)

Four star songs: despite its cheesy start, the song 8. "Despierta" (7:55)--which is sung in Spanish--offers quite a fun and beautiful journey--especially with Chrissie's fluid, sensuous Spanish. A great language for her singing style (13/15); the absolutely gorgeous torch song vocal and music of 9. "Beauty Is Beast" (5:17) (8.5/10); 4. "Breathe Easy" (5:33) is an awesome piano-jazz lounge song in the DIANA KRALL or early BILLY JOEL tradition, but barely fits the prog bill (8.5/10); 6. "Into Pieces" (2:37) (4/5); despite some fiercely clever and well-performed music (what drumming!), the lyric/vocal of 7. "Spiritual Rats" (5:47) just doesn't fit, match, or work (8/10); 1. "Knock Knock (Disappear)" (5:57) seems to be trying to be a Turkish-Arabian Reggae song without ever really feeling like one. Too forced despite the fine displays of individual musicianship and the awesome instrumental section. (8/10), and; the incongruous, 3. "Make the Choice" (6:54) (7.5/10).

I call it a slump--mostly for its divergence from what one typically holds as "prog" roots--but this is still a collection of creative and often beautiful music that comes from a group of highly skilled, creative and committed musicians.

Solid four stars; B; a highly recommended musical adventure by a band of truly talented, truly adventurous musicians.