TURN OF THE TIDE

Actually I am not a big fan or follower of the band. I know very well that BJH was well known in their 70s albums. This album came out in the form of cassette in my country so I just purchased it and not quite sure about its quality as one of the musician left the band. I remember vividly their Berlin concert that was famous at that time. Turn of the Tide ranks not quite strong with their best work featuring some songs from both John Lees and Les Holroyd. The sound is very different to their earlier work, being less guitar work even though there are many synthesizer works as a sort of replacement for the mellotron, the defining aspect of the BJH traditional sound. For me personally I like 'Highway for Fools' track even though some consider 'Life is for Living' as probably the best known track here and is typical of the bands well written, pop influenced 80s style, even though other highlights include 'Back to the Wall', 'Death Of A City' and the moving 'In Memory of The Martyrs'. The normal BJH work of including songs by Holroyd and Lees, with each singing their own, continues here and helps to provide variety throughout the album. Both are excellent singers with Holroyd offering a good flavour. The only thing is probably the missing memorable melody this album has as everything sounds flat to me. I know it's not a bad album but unfortunately is not that good overall and tends to make me bored listening the whole album.

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW