IMAGINARY MENAGERIE

3.5 stars. Boy, I sure got a surprise when I started listening to this record. I understood them to be a Psychedelic band but the first two songs were modern, alternative, straight up Rock music.

Yes, the vocals are well done, and as on the first song "The Clothes Horse" the guitar is splendid indeed, some good riffs and the song ends with an extended solo. The synths twitter away like the OZRIC TENTACLES. I like when it settles somewhat. Good song. "The Happy Elephant" again features some excellent guitar and some funky bass playing, very alternative sounding.The synths again twitter throughout.The guitar is the highlight though.

The next song "The Alternative Magpie" opens with psychedelic synths as guitar comes in and drums.This one is slower paced and there is a definite psychedelic flavour. More of that alternative vibe on "The Abstracted Sloth" which opens with bouncey synths before a full sound kicks in. Vocals follow. It does turn fairly psychedelic 4 1/2 minutes in though. Guitar follows ripping it up.The final song "The Unawashed Platypus" is a trippy, spacey wonderland. Finally ! Spacey synths, soaring guitars, it all comes together on this tune which is my favourite.

As you might have imagined, the lyrics are humourous almost Monty Python-like.This is all very well thought out. Very close to 4 stars for me.