TR3S LUNAS

While I can't argue against "Tr3s Lunas" being anything but a minor entry in a major and prolific artist's discography, I also can't argue against its suitability as a backdrop for relaxation. I suppose that in itself is a form of damning by faint praise in these parts. The lack of variety in tempos and the similarities in structure and melody combine to confirm both the positive and negative aspects of this release and, while it's still superior to the sanitized Celtic new age of "Voyager", its formula was easily bested by "Light and Shade" a few years later.

Due to the prevalence of soporific and simplistic instrumentals of relatively short duration, the moments that stand out are the few with vocals, specifically "Thou art in Heaven" with its spoken title, atmospheric keys, expressive lead guitar, faux saxophone, and rumbling bass, and "Be Free" in its various guises, the latter in no small measure to sister Sally's performance. "Landfall" resurrects the original "Tubular Bells" theme for the umpteenth time but somehow refreshingly, implying that even even stale TB is better than the fresh product surrounding it .

For full disclosure I have experienced hours of blase enjoyment from "Tr3s Lunas". While I am a fan of the man and his music overall, I'm not sure you need to be one to appreciate this in any sort of altered state, but I doubt you will be over the moon about it. 2.5 stars rounded down.