PASSENGERS

I have read quite a bit about this band in the last couple of years - they have been touted as 'the next Pink Floyd' due mainly to Bryan Josh's guitar work. Well, a friend lent me this cd last week, and I have played it a few times, trying to find the link. It has to be said it is tenuous at best - occasionally Josh does play a little like Gilmour, and vocally he can, on rare occasions, recall to the listener a Gilmour type of voice, but these moments are few and far between. It can be said, with equal validity, that his guitar style owes just as much to Steve Rothery and Marillion. And when did Floyd ever have a female vocalist like Heather Findley? No, I find this group should be taken on its own merits, and not on lukewarm comparisons. (Of course, I haven't heard their earlier stuff; maybe that is more Floyd-like.) This band are, indeed, a cross between folk-rock and straightforward rock, to these ears. I was racking my brains, trying to think who Heather Findley reminded me of, and then it came to me - now and again, she has a tone in her voice reminiscent of Julianne Regan, of All About Eve. There is sometimes a Clannad feel to the atmosphere here, and, as I said before, sometimes a Marillion tone to proceedings. The first two tracks are straightforward rockers, neither being either forgettable, nor classics. When we get to the third song, however, 'Another Life' things improve. This is a slower song, nicely sung by Miss Findley, and ended with superb guitar from Mr Josh. A good song. 'Bitterness Burnt' is another uptempo, but less rocky track, and then 'Caught In A Fold' turns the proceedings heavier, with, again, powerful guitar work. 'Simple Ways' is a decent, mid-paced song, and 'First Thought' is likewise more than average. The title track is another good 'un, mid paced again, then comes one of the two highlights for me - the brilliant instrumental, 'Distant Train'. Here we have a classic Rothery-style guitar-led track, very nice and melodic. 'Answer The Question' is uptempo again, and I like this one also. Finally comes the other highlight, the three parter 'Pass The Clock' which is far and away the most progressive track here, with nice mood changes and atmospheres, and superb singing from Findlay. It climaxes wonderfully, and brings the album to a strong end. For me, an album is always better if the first and the last tracks are memorable. Well, the opener here is average, but the closer is superb. I also borrowed off my friend Storm Over Still Waters, their latest, which fans seem to prefer over this one. I personally don't. I think this one much stronger. Worth a listen, but with the proviso - don't expect a Floyd-clone. There are many bands who sound more like Floyd than these do.