HERE TO HEAR

This is a pretty good Wishbone Ash album in the same style as No Fire Without Smoke from 1978. Just like on that album, several songs remind me a bit of Dire Straits, only much better. Both of these albums also end with a two-part composition. Don't be fooled by this, however. This is not really progressive rock. Just very good and sophisticated hard rock music; well written, well performed, well recorded and well produced.

There are more keyboards on this album than on most Wishbone Ash albums, but only ever in the background - never as a lead instrument. The bass guitar is often loud and bottom. Especially on the Hole In My Heart (Parts 1), where the bass almost has that wonderful Chris Sqiure sound.

The electric guitars are very well played (as on most Wishbone Ash albums).

Apart from the very good Hole In My Heart suite, there is really no need to mention specific songs, everything is good but nothing is outstanding.

Not the ultimate place to start, but one of the better Wishbone Ash albums I have heard so far.

After their disastrous « Nouveau Calls », WA could only released better music. Unfortunately, this one is not a big improvement in terms of song writing and musical compositions as a whole. Vocals do add a bit of flavor in comparison with their prior and pitiful release; but I can hardly be truly enthusiastic about this record. The proof is the pudding? Most of this album is filled with pretty basic rock songs without any prog feeling like "Keeper Of The Light". Most of the tracks are based on this rock scheme. "Mental Radio" is an upbeat anthem and by far my fave out of this maelstrom of weak songs.

The glory guitar twin solos are far away, I'm afraid. It is really difficult to be generous with the band at this stage of their career. But of course, plenty of giants have known lesser times. Just the same feeling with WA did while I listen to this recording (and some prior ones).

Some sort of "U2" ballad while they play "Witness To Wonder" isn't really what I would have expected from WA. But THEY decided to go that way, I didn't? To suffer a weak and disco track as "Lost Cause In Paradise" is quite challenging? This is a very much below Roxy type of songs.

The worse is still to come with the poppish "Why Don't We". The only positive sign in here is some good guitar notes out of this general disaster. And even if some good moments can be experienced during "In The Case", the whole of this album sounds rather flat.

As a whole, two stars is MY legitimate opinion. OK, the last and longest track "Hole In My Heart" (both parts) is the best song of this album and it sometimes remind me of the good old days (the twin guitar ones).

Some of the bonus tracks are interesting ("Heaven is"). At least, a great guitar part can be experienced.

Hate and war.