PLAY

Almost four months of wait and finally! Few weeks ago I've received this CD from Germany, unfolded the package and turned my stereo on.

Now. Beware. If you didn't buy this one because you heard it's more poppy and indie-oriented, I must warn you - yes, it actually is. No long tracks, no tempo/mood/rhythm/signature changes, simple song- oriented Indie Rock album. Progheads who enjoyed the first should rather stay away or pre-listen some new tracks on band's MySpace. To be fairly honest, I was disappointed with it, and I still am. Most songs are built around simple two-chord progression, and I wouldn't bother if it only could have been less obvious...arrangements fail to save the situation too. Apart from 'No Love Lost' (nice Post-Rocky 6 min song, the longest here), 'Moody' (think of THE CURE going wild), 'Drake' (think of RADIOHEAD going sad), 'Fire Walk With Me' (think of 'Gangsters' from THE AMBER LIGHT's previous brilliant LP) and 'The Deep Twist' (think of TALK TALK's 'I believe in You') there's nothing to be completely interested in, just some average Indie-Rock songs, which scream for a better/more energetic vocalist than Loius (whose voice is amazing, but for things like songy Post-Rock). The worst thing here is new version of 'Still Going Nowhere', which is simply lame and utterly BAD, sorry, but I had to say that, it was waaay better on 'Stranger and Strangers' EP. So, have THE AMBER LIGHT died completely for me with this release? I hope no, because I know what they can, I heard that and I pray for further - read BETTER - releases, leave alone Prog or Post-Rock, I just want better songs instead of a pile of 3-min Eurovision worn-out cliches. Not recommended for Progheads, not recommended for others - check before buying, seriously

Prog-jester makes a lot of good points about this album. This isn't progressive at all except for "No Love Lost" which also happens to be the longest song at 6 minutes.This really is a continuation (in style) of their last release "Stranger & Strangers" from 2005, which was an EP. Actually there's even one song from that EP on this record. Honestly though I just love this music. You just have to read my review of that EP to know that. I feel the same way about this as I do about early PINEAPPLE THIEF which most people also dismiss, but I love.

"Moody" has a good powerful intro before it settles somewhat when the vocals arrive. I'm put off by the explicit lyrics here but the music itself is excellent. It ends with over 3 minutes of all instrumental music. Nice. "All Over You" is a straight forward track with prominant drums and vocals. "Waste" sounds like a mix of 80's Pop and 90's Alternative. One of my favourites on here. It really reminds me of a Christian band I saw live once called ALL STAR UNITED. It just moves me. "Drake" features piano and fragile vocals.The lyrics are meaningful. It does build to a fuller sound. "Never Fade Out" is another straight forward, mid paced tune that I like a lot.

"The Deep Twist" is another highlight for me. It's mellow with light drums, bass, gentle guitar and reserved vocals. It just breaks me when it changes after a minute with that Post Rock guitar sound and him singing "...it feels like the knife keeps on twisting". This contrast continues. "Fire Walk With Me" is uptempo with pounding drums and aggressive guitar at times. "Still Going Nowhere" is frrom the previous EP and I agree it's not as good as the original but I love this song. It's just so emotional. "Does It Ever Get Better" is poppy but I like it. Great title too. Haha. "Play" builds to a fuller sound after 2 minutes to the end. Excellent. "No Love Lost" is the proggy one. It's dark and heavy with processed vocals before 1 1/2 minutes .Very atmospheric. Distorted guitar after 3 minutes. So much tension ! "...And Then It Stopped Raining" features strummed guitar, reserved vocals and piano. Beautiful song.

There is a reason THE AMBER LIGHT is listed under Prog-Related, so this won't be to a lot of people's taste. I originally gave this 4 stars but it hasn't held up well over repeated listens. 3 stars makes much more sense.