HIDEOUT

3.5 stars. Maybe it's not so surprising that they thank RIVERSIDE in the liner notes this time, because their sound has gotten much heavier. As much as I usually prefer some metal in my music, I must admit that I was disappointed that this wasn't more like their debut. I've grown to really like "Hideout" but this doesn't compare to their debut.

"Hillside Of Dreams" opens with heavy drums and the song kicks in before a minute. It settles some when the vocals arrive. Contrasts continue. Some nice bass in this one. Keyboards end this excellent opener. "Fingers" opens with piano as percussion then vocals arrive. Drums and bass 1 1/2 minutes in as the sound gets fuller. It's still laid back though. It turns heavy before 4 minutes and the vocals are more passionate. "Senses Confuse Reality" hits the ground running. It settles some when the vocals come in. Nice chunky bass after a minute. Just a great sound to this one. I like the guitar solo before 3 1/2 minutes. "Waiting For" opens with a full sound as vocals join in. I really like when the vocals return 3 minutes in. Beautiful soundscape here. It's heavy before 4 1/2 minutes with fat bass lines. Great sound when it settles with piano a minute later. "Hideout" kicks in fairly quickly then settles with vocals. The bass is prominant as usual. It kicks back in as contrasts continue. Pleasant guitar before 3 minutes that goes on and on. Synths follow to end it.

"Healing Our Sorrows" features bass, drums and piano that all sound incredible. The guitar comes in lighting it up. Vocals replace the guitar. "Fly On" is an instrumental. Some cool guitar that cries out as the sound builds. "Reflecting Me" sounds fantastic with that bass / drum intro then it kicks in with guitar. It settles when the vocals arrive and contrasts continue. "Looking For Each Other" opens with piano, cymbals and vocals. Guitar before a minute then drums and bass come in. This is such an uplifting and moving track. "The End" is the 11 1/2 minute closer. Drums and bass stand out to start. Heavy guitar follows. Vocals replace the guitar. Love the growly bass. It's heavy again. Synths after 5 1/2 minutes. Almost TOOL-like drums and bass 7 minutes in followed by a calm. Spoken words come in and it's building. Some great guitar 9 minutes in that lasts until after 11 minutes.

AFTER... continue to impress with this their sophomore album.