THE HEMULIC VOLUNTARY BAND

3.5 stars. In my opinion this is their best studio album so far. Most of the songs are based on fantasy books about these creatures called "Moomin" by a Finnish author.To my ears we get less of that World Music flavour from the band than we did on past albums. Many mention GENTLE GIANT and YES as influences that can be heard here. I did think of YES at one point.

"The Hemulic Voluntary Band" has such a great intro but the euphoria ends when the vocals come in. Everytime the vocals stop on this track i'm so impressed with the instrumental work. A YES vibe after 3 minutes pops up. "In The WIld" also starts amazingly well then it settles as the vocals arrive. Great sound after 4 minutes as the guitar lights it up. "Late In November" is melancholic with reserved vocals.We get some bouzouki here along with flute and acoustic guitar. We get some brief vocals and backing vocals only after 3 1/2 minutes. "The Groke" has this fairly heavy and repetitive beat as vocals join in. "Waiting By The Bridge" has almost a reggae vibe to it with vocals. "A Dangerous Journey" is the 26 1/2 minute closer. It's very acoustic sounding early on as the vocals join in. A change before 4 minutes as it turns dark until around 7 1/2 minutes when the sounds lightens again. A change before 9 minutes with almost spoken vocals. It kicks back in before 11 minutes.The guitar is crying out before 15 minutes. Vocals return 18 minutes in then we get another change before 19 1/2 minutes. Guitar and a heavier sound before 21 1/2 minutes then the tempo picks up with vocals. It settles down to end it.

If you've liked any of their earlier albums don't even hesitate to get this one.