X

Well, in certain way I've found the same problem as in the best album by Mystery ("One Among the Living"), which seems so good inside a collection of Neo-Prog or AOR rock collection, but in the same time it becomes "strident" in whatever prog discography you consider, especially if compared to the best (a few ones) prog issues of the last years...anyway, by proceeding from the first step, I soon find a different style in their music, since the first approach by Nich D'Virgilio on drums and the additional guitars, with a different purpose in comparison to their last issue, I mean.

In fact I recognize their attempt: that is coming back to the compositions in the vein of "Snow", but looking for new ideas and anyway without forgetting the true "trademark" of the band....it's for sure a compromise, but "Jaws Of Heaven" for example (a bit reminding me of the music by Rush, above all the rhytmical guitars) is the best track here: that's a mini suite including the melodic AOR style and their most improvisational side as well!!

Instead the jazz piano and their usual feel with the old Genesis, which is quite typical for the band, is another main feature, like that one naturally recognizable within the opener "Edge of the In-Between".

At the end their compositions are not banal, but it's difficult for me to evaluate this "X" 4 stars, cause I'm still waiting for the new coming of an innovative band and S.B. doesn't reach this goal, for the moment...nevertheless- to be completely honest- I must admit that the instrumental section inside "The Emperor's clothes" is remarkable and that's should be enough to change partially idea, regardless the disappointing vocal approach, but my doubt still remains!!

Make your own choice, according to your mood!!