LIFESIGNS

This interesting ad hoc trio (augmented by a few guest dignitaries) and its eponymous debut album came "out of nowhere" for many of us. Some rushed to classify Lifesigns a prog supergroup; I'd describe them as a band of experienced musicians of different backgrounds.

In the past the keyboardist John Young had done a lot of work with a number of grand prog figures (like Palmer and Wetton), which certainly helped him with his excellent music-making skills - but not so much with name recognition.

Nick Beggs has enjoyed a lot of proggy spotlight in the past year or so, by virtue of being an important member of Steven Wilson's band. Before that, his principal claim to fame was a pop band Kajagoogoo, and I didn't know much about Frosty Beedle at all.

The first thing that attracts attention to the album is the cover art - a quaint picture of rural England (note the appropriately gloomy, almost menacing sky over the tranquil pasture, hinting maybe at the "Hanging on in quiet desperation" undercurrent?). And the red phone booth, cutely photoshopped into the hedgerow (some say Tardis would have been even better). All in all, the cover art is perfect for the mood of the album.

Now to the essence: despite a few nice moments, the album is too pop-y and therefore rather boring. Other than the Carousel, I can't think of a single strong song on it.