SPOCK'S BEARD

There are four SPOCK'S BEARD album that I rate very highly, they're all personal favourites of mine. And that's what makes listening to this album so frustrating. Unless Neal comes back to this band this is the last SPOCK'S BEARD I purchase. Of course it's not all bad, but an average album that's over 77 minutes in length is tough to swallow. That's why 2 stars for me is the right rating,fans only.

"On A Perfect Day" recalls the good old days when it opens with guitar and keyboards leading in a bombastic way. It settles with reserved vocals after 1 1/2 minutes. Some good contrasts here actually and themes are repeated. Not a bad opener. "Skeletons At The Feast" is a top three.This thing rocks when it kicks in. A heavy rhythm section with synths sounds amazing.The guitar rips it up before 1 1/2 minutes. It's not as good before 3 minutes as synths lead the way but the bass is good. It's heavy again 3 1/2 minutes in with some great organ. Check out the guitar and mellotron late. Just a killer track ! "Is This Love" is the first mistake. A straight up rocker with bad vocals. Just not a fan. "All That's Left" makes up for it though. Another top three tune.This is my favourite, it just hits me emotionally. I like the keyboards too that make me think of PORCUPINE TREE. Gorgeous chorus. "With Your Kiss" is pretty good and the longest at almost 12 minutes. It's mellow early but it gets fuller. I like the sound after 4 minutes. The song continues to change.

"Sometimes They Stay, Sometimes They Go" is ok with the drums and vocals standing out. It sounds Alternative. "The Slow Crash Landing Man" is my other top three song. It has a relaxed melody and I like the lyrics.The organ is good too 3 minutes in. Nice guitar late. "Wherever You Stand" is a straight-up rock song that's fairly aggressive. "Hereafter" is a ballad with piano and fragile vocals. "Part 1:Dreaming In The Age Of Answers" kicks in before a minute with vocals in tow. A calm with piano 3 1/2 minutes in. "Part 2 : Here's A Man" is my fourth favourite. I like how jazzy and intricate it is. "Part 3:They Know We Know" is a fun song with a children's choir. "Part 4 : Stream Of Unconscoiusness" is uptempo with synths early. It settles as the tempo continues to change. It's ok. "Rearranged" features these reserved vocals, keys and mellotron early. It kicks in after 1 1/2 minutes.Contrasts continue.

Just too many misses on this album. Maybe i've just lost patience with this band.