LYNN STOKES & SOL SURFERS

Part of me feels that this is a sacrilege and that this 2008 album should be taken out and destroyed, however there is a larger part of me who is really enjoying listening to this and that is the side that wins! This album passed me by at the time, and the same must have been true for everyone else as this appears to have been their latest release, but they are still gigging so hopefully there will be something new in the future. Although heavily influenced by Roger et al, this is an original piece of work and in the lack of the masters themselves is something that any Floyd fan would enjoy. For more details visit www.solsurfermusic.com

It took me a little while to fully appreciate Lynn Stokes & Sol Surfers many qualities. Ok, there are several parts that remind a lot of the band which produced The Dark Side Of The Moon, The Wall and Wish You Here. So it is no surprise that we have a sax player that sounds uncanny like Dick Parry, Richard Wright-like keys and so on. The difference is that they can write excellent tunes. Some of them quite derivative, but good anyway. And they are really fine musicians who know their trade. The arrangements are very tasteful and there are no fillers, nor weak stuff. The production is top notch. It´s hard to point a highlight, but I can say that tracks like the title track, Open Door and Across The Barrier show their potential to become very big.

Final rating: 3,5 stars. I´m looking forward to hear their next works. If you like the quieter side of Pink Floyd and don´t mind the lack of originality you should not miss Terra Nocturne. For my part, I like it a lot!

The musical style explored is a dark one; as fits the title of the album; but also one that is mellow, slick and highly melodic. Acoustic guitars and piano are the main melodic providers, serving distinct themes on which the rest of the instruments can play upon; with floating synths in the back adding texture while sax, flute and melodic guitar soloing are given the limelight in the front; besides the highly pleasing and relaxing vocals of Stokes.

In style I'd describe this as a mellow Pink Floyd from the late 70's approaching a new age type of music - the dark atmospheres and light melodic explorations in a rich and textured setting are highly comparable to Gilmour and company, and the guitar soloing just as much - but the compositions are slower, not at all as adventurous or creative but very well performed though.

Those who like Pink Floyd at their most mellow as well as finding new age-tinged music interesting should get out and sample this creation - chances are good it'll be regarded as a treasured acquisition.