EYES OF THE WORLD

I really like "Grey Lady Down" (you can notice this while reading my reviews of that band). So, when I read that two of their members (Mark Westworth on keyboards and Sean Spear on bass) were playing with "Darwin's Radio" I was really thrilled to discover their work. Even if Martin Wilson ("GLD" lead vocalist) is not amongst them, I have to admit that Declan Burke is doing a good job.

The opener "Erase ... Rewind" is a perfect starter. Full of keyboards, pleasant vocals, nice melody and very good musicianship. Even if the long intro sounds familiar ("Watcher...").

I have a more severe judgement about "Stronger" which is closer to prog metal than neo-prog. By the time of "Windows To Your Soul" I am starting to miss Martin again. Declan does not have his emotional style which would have fit a lot better in this song which is good but predictable.

I'm afraid that "Glass Tiger's Eye" won't raise the quality level of this album. AOR-ish, heavy rock. Poor vocals. Not a great mix, is it?

"Lapse of Sensation" starts as "Watcher Of The Skies" ends. Some great guitar breaks will fortunately save the song because I do not really like these heavy sounds for the most of it. Nor the instrumental "Eccentric Orbits" and the closing number "The Vast Within" only stands out for its guitar solo at the end of it.

I probably expected too much of this band. The fantastic opening track confirmed my expectations but that was it. If, like me, you thought that the sound of "GLD" would have been recreated, just forget it. This offering is far from this (but I understand that they wanted to do something different).

One masterpiece song ("Erase...Rewind") and loads of average and not too inspired ones. This is the cocktail from this album. Add some drops of heavy music and you'll get the picture.

I cannot say that "Eyes of the World" is a good album. It just fells short. Five out of ten? Maybe. Two stars ? Probably.