THE MUSE AWAKENS

This excellent album is a glorious comback for these guys. It picks up right where they left off, and is the natural follow-up to Crafty Hands. Some people really don't like this band, and I can understand that they aren't for everyone. I have always considered them more fusion than prog. But if you liked their first two, you will really like this one. There is absolutely no drop-off in the musical skills and enthusiasm (or goofiness) of the earlier band, in fact they may have turned it up a notch. What makes this album really special is the songs...great compositions! No wonder it took them so long to put this together. The songs are all memorable, catchy and well written. Some of the softer songs in particular are just beautiful. The two new guys fit right in, and you won't miss Watkins or Riddle for a minute. The album reminds me a bit of Earthworks' "Dig" album. Well done HTM.