REMOTE LUXURY

[Fourth in a series] A decided step backward from the brilliance of "Seance," the band seems to be channeling what was then current in 80s pop/rock (though in its own inimitable way), perhaps looking for that first "hit." The songs are shorter, simpler, less "produced." Indeed, "No Explanation" is so radio-friendly that it's a wonder that it wasn't a hit. "10,000 Miles" and "Maybe Those Boys" are interesting, Eno-era Bowie-esque compositions, the latter having at least some minimal progressive sensibilities. "A Month of Sundays" starts out in a semi-progressive vein, but has an overly "pop" chorus and little production. "Volumes" has an interesting chromatic chord progression in the verses, and a somewhat Beatle-esque chorus, but would also have benefited from fuller production. "Remote Luxury" is both the most satisfying and important track. A "Floydian"-style instrumental, it would begin a trend that the band would, perhaps uniquely, continue on almost every album: including at least one instrumental, thereby keeping the rock instrumental alive. / Ultimately, however, listening to this album (as "pretty" as it is at times), "Seance" would seem a fluke. However, perhaps in not getting that first "hit" by reverting to their earlier approach, the band was forced to reassess their direction. And in doing so, and returning to the more progressive approach they began on "Seance," their next album ("Heyday") allowed them to find their true voice again - and they were ironically "rewarded" by getting that first hit after all.