THE SONGS & TALES OF AIROEA BOOK 2: OCEAN TRAVELLER (METAMORPHOSIS)

"Book II" is decidedly more pastoral than "Book I" to a fault in my opinion. It really isn't until the final two seven minute tracks that I feel they offer something worthy of being on "Book I". So not a 4 star album by a long shot, those first four tracks just don't do much for me at all. By the way the same lineup as the debut other than that guest vocalist who isn't back. They try some new things here which in my opinion just don't work.

"Over Westwinds" is such a mellow tune with a medieval vibe with those wordless vocals and strummed guitar. It's better when the flute arrives later on and some organ late to end it but not a good start. "Orias & The Underwater City" opens with atmosphere and water sounds, flute and synths too. Vocals at 1 1/2 minutes are almost mono-toned and at 4 minutes I'm thinking "it's still like this?" This is where someone says careful what you wish for because fake beats kick in with keyboard sounds I really don't like before 5 minutes. Catchy but... that's two tracks that went over my head but wait there's "Ocean Traveller" which I will not ever hear again. Too catchy with beats that imply we are on a trip much like CAMEL and GAZPACHO have done. Kind of cool but I don't like it.

"Lady Of Waves" is another song that just doesn't do much for me but we do get some energy here and for me this is the best track yet. The final two tunes are give us a strong ending at least with "Green Refreshments" and "The Grand Reef" but even the latter starts out like a jig before a quick calm and change thankfully. I don't know I just have trouble relating to this record. Love the flute and heavier sound on "Green Refreshments" some good contrasts too. The flute also stands out on the closer along with the vocals for maybe the first time on the album.

I am looking forward to "Book III" it is in the mail apparently but this one is more for fans of concept albums and pastoral music.