EMOTIONAL CREATURES - PART ONE

This was a pleasant surprise to say the least. Steve Thorne is a name i've seen over the years helping out bands as a session musician or guest. Anyway this is his first solo album and he's brought in a lot of help. Orford, Cook and Jowitt from IQ,Tony Levin, Geoff Downes, all of JADIS, Nick D'Virgilio and more. Despite all the guests here Steve is the focus with his appealing vocals and great song writing. By the way the cover art here is perfect for the album title. So well done. I'd love to have that blown up and on my wall. I was surprised at how often I though of MARILLION here, Ken Baird also came to mind several times.

"Here They Come" opens with a music box then sounds that are almost the direct opposite including marching styled drums. "God Bless America" is my least favourite lyrically. I like my neighbours to the south. Anyway the song is led by acoustic guitar and vocals. Some good flute too. "Well Outta That" opens with strummed guitar and synths as these urgent vocals come in. Maybe theatrical is the word. He reminds me of Fish at times here. It turns more powerful as the drums become more prominant. Contrasts continue. It kind of spacey before 4 minutes as it settles to the end. "Ten Years" is one of my favourites. Acoustic guitar and fragile vocals along with background synths. It turns fuller then settles again with those haunting synths as contrasts continue. The atmosphere is incredible.

"Last Line" opens with strummed guitar as vocals join in.They get passionate before it kicks in. An emotional track. Organ 2 1/2 minutes in as drums pound. "Julia" is mellow early on then it kicks in at a minute. So moving. Contrasts continue. An aggressive section with vocal melodies late. "Therapy" is such a feel good song. It ends with sampled words and a spacey soundscape. "Every Second Counts" opens where the last song left off with atmosphere and spoken words. A beat is included then it kicks in before 2 minutes. Nice. Some guitar too 4 minutes in.It ends as it began. "Tumbleweeds" opens with acoustic guitar,synths and vocals. It does get fuller but this is all about the lyrics. "Gone" opens with strummed guitar, bass, drums and vocals. It kicks in heavily after a minute as contrasts continue. "Goodbye" opens with some beautiful acoustic guitar melodies as reserved vocals join in. Synths too. The atmosphere is powerful 3 minutes in to the end. Gulp. Birds come in singing reminding me of the gorgeous cover art.

A very solid 4 stars. Highly recommended.