RAJAZ

The first four tracks are the best of the eight. A variety of instruments including cello and flute are used to create more depth to the songs, it isn't just Latimer playing guitar all the time. However when he does play it is quite exceptional. He uses different sounds and styles very effectively. This more than anything, lifts the album out of the ordinary.

The weaker songs are in the second half; Shout being the worst. Camel were never known for having a charismatic vocalist but Latimer's vocal performance on this occasion is woeful. Straight To My Heart is much better with Latimer reminiscing about his childhood. The song has an epic feel and ends with a superb guitar solo. However he overdoses on the guitar in the last track, Lawrence, it just doesn't sustain interest for the 10 minutes.

I found this release to be a bit uneven, some of the tracks recall the golden period with Bardens and are excellent while others are weak. Camel fans should still check it out though.

I struggled with a rating for this album, its better than 3 stars but its not quite worth 4 stars.

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