DARKNESS TO LIGHT

"Just a Poke", the band's first LP was a kind of cult album during my students days and I can remember the situations when I used to play it for several times in a row on my old turntable. Subsequently I came across this one and, must admit, was quite dissapointed! Instead of side-long jams, "Darkness to Light" brings even 6 tracks. While that was not a problem itself, the quality of these clearly falls short in comparison with the first LP. The shorter tracks bring more acoustic instrumentation and if the overall music is surely pleasant to listen, the tunes are not enough catchy or powerful. The album is filled with Hippie/Indian ideology too much and listening to it 30 years after sounds a bit naive and outdated. "Darkness to Light" is recommended only to SWEET SMOKE fans, while other listeners should stick with excellent "Just a Poke" and equally stunning "Sweet Smoke Live".