RINGS AROUND THE WORLD

The "Caravan" influence is truly present on this work (it was already perceivable on "Mwng") but at the same time the band offers some good and straight forward rock parts. Such a dual song is "Sidewalk Serfer Girl" although the delectable quite and acoustic sections are very short here.

The band didn't forget their good melodic writing skills and proposed good alternate pop songs as well: just listen to the effective "Rings Around The World" and "At Least ?" to verify this statement. The latter being a sentimental rock ballad with very nice arrangements.

A sixties sound for the Beatles-esque "Receptacle For The Respectable". The highlight in this song is of course the superb vocal harmonies which are flowering like crazy in this beautiful song although the closing part sounds heavier and less harmonious.

If you fancy some good old psychedelia, I can only recommend "Touch Sensitive". An instrumental number which combines some heavy bass and good keys. I quite like the oppressive beat which contrasts with most of the other songs that are more on the melodic side like the following "Shoot Doris Day" which is another exquisite ballad. Some "Klaatu" flavour for sure.

Another good moment from "Rings Around The World". So far, so good?

We remain in the same territories with the early Floydean "No Sympathy". The band always managed to sound as if they were a and from the late sixties / early seventies; and this work is no other except that most of the songs are real good and crafted. This one sounding a bit childish maybe?

The first blunder is the syrupy and disco / reggae oriented "Juxtaposed With U". The magic key here is the "next" one without any doubt. The problem is that last songs from this album are not really on par: a mellow "Presidential Suite" and some country "Run Christian Run" can't really compete with the first nine songs from this album.

It is a pity, because this prevent me to go higher than three stars even if the band is again more inspired during the closing "Fragile Happiness". It is their best album so far IMHHO. Seven out of ten.

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