A PLACE IN THE QUEUE

Without a doubt one of the finest releases of bloated symphonic prog-rock in a bloated genre; A Place in the Queue is an outstanding mix of soaring melodies, intricate instrumental passages, dynamic composition, and energy. It seems that The Tangent can more than cope without Roine Stolt-- they thrive without him!

Similar to the band's first release, Place in the Queue is a throw-back to the prog of yesteryear, with numerous thematic and sonic homages, but played with tangible enthusiasm that really energizes the feel. Many of the songs have splashes of jazz, thanks to the winds of Travis, but the star of the show remains Tillison's outstanding keyboards. Jonnson takes up the reigns of lead-guitar from Stolt handedly, which of course has the effect of making The Tangent instantly sound more original-- Stolt's signature sound making everything he plays on become very similar to TFK. The rhythm section should be mentioned as well for cranking out a dynamic backbone to the numerous tempo and style changes in these songs.

Lyrically, Queue is smarter than either of the group's previous works, more subtle at times (getting the point across through narrative), and when rhetorical does not sound nearly so preachy as World That We Drive Through.

A must buy for fans of the genre; it's energy and composition blows the competition out of the water!

Songwriting: 4 Instrumental Performances: 4 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 4