THE COLD LIGHT OF DARKNESS

The first time I listened to the wonderful intro of "Eyes Of A Child" I was really blown away. Such nice and atmospheric keyboards brought me back to the seventies. And time after time, the same feeling prevails. Great harmony, good and deep vocals convey such a peaceful feeling.

Obvious influences are Floyd (for the intro) and "Genesis" of course for the big chunk of this long song (over fifteen minutes). Not extremely original maybe, but so pleasant.

The acoustic opening part of "The Mask" could have been a "Pendragon" one. Chris Campbell's voice is on the soft mood. A bit similar to Martin Wilson (from "Grey Lady Down"). But the comparison can go beyond the voice only.

There won't be any yelling during this album. Delicate vocal harmonies, at times on the mellowish side like for "Into The Dark" which is probably not the best song from "The Cold Light Of Darkness". But Nick Barrett's shadow is very much present behind the great guitar solo and emotion makes intrinsically part of this song.

Of course these references are not on the complex side of the musical scope available amongst all the bands featured on PA; but they have their fans and utility. The one to release joyful music even if the "déjà vu" feeling can't be ignored.

The first blunder from this album is the funky/soul (!) oriented "Which Way". Rather incomprehensible in the midst of so much symphony. These funky beats are rather inappropriate (as the poor backing vocals). This was completely unexpected to be honest. This song is heading nowhere while the most Floydian and subtle guitar break will highlight this number. But why the hell combining these great and aerial sounds with this awful main theme ??? A mystery.The band should only have kept this part (still clocking at almost seven minutes) since this album is almost seventy minutes long.

The third long song of this album is a suite divided into four sections. Starting with a mostly acoustic opening ("The Film") which will only deviate for some soft electric guitar notes to magnify it. Forgotten these awful vocals from "Which Way". The band has reverted to its melodic style again and the music is slightly better while they perform like this even if, again, the music might sound too mellow. Because the second part "Help Me" is somewhat dull and I am not sure that it was really needed (even if it is a concept album and that there are often parts which are not really strong in these works). But still, over four minutes of this excessively soft ballad is too much.

I must say that the third section "Is There A Paradise" is made of the same mould. This time, vocals are only backed up by some sweet piano notes but some variety would have been needed by now. Almost forteen minutes is way too much and pretty boring unfortunately.

Now, the second blunder. The fourth section of "The Exposure". Gosh! It sounds as bad as "Which Way". I just can't understand that a band releases such a long song with of so little interest.

My conclusion is that half this album is very good while the other half is just poor. Two stars.