TINTINNABULATION

This is now the third FAF album I listened to, but still I could not detect anything interesting in their music. It's one of the most meaningless, predictable, pop-ish and boring NeoProg sound I've ever heard. Absolutely not interesting for a Prog fan. If you're looking for good (Neo) Prog, save your money for something better than this. Just a well-meant advice. For the standard "Middle of the road"-listener only!!!!

It is true to say that the more you listen to this band, the less exciting you feel. Their pleasant melodies sound catchy the first time you your hear them, but after a few spins, they are just not working any longer.

This album is not different from their previous ones. Third division neo-prog. Even if the opener is pleasant and features nice and catchy chorus and a very melodic mood. And "FAF" is trying to come up with the same sort of tune all along "Tintinnabulation".

Mellowish, syrupy and not effective music ("Don't Say"). Listening to this entire album is almost like listening to a long and unique song. Same structure, same tone. At times, a more interesting melody ("Ignorance") are bringing back some hope but globally there is no highlight on this album.

The track which comes the closest to this status is the good instrumental "Way Out Of Line". Fully guitar-oriented and emotional (à la "Pendragon").

I wonder if they did it on purpose, but to call one of their songs "Waste Of Time" shows a great sense of humour. Press next. And get the AOR-ish "Too Late". The last three numbers are weak, but a good electric guitar solo is shining at the end of Boy. The only reason to mention the track, though (same applies to Father, the closing number.

I will be generous and rate this one with two stars thanks to "Nowhere to Run" and "Ignorance"; but this shouldn't be enough to be of interest for most of the progheads.