SPOONING OUT THE SEA

3.5 stars. My last review for 2009 and i've struggled with the rating for this one. I very much liked their debut "Orphan Found" both the concept and the music, in fact the "Classic Rock Society" claimed it was the best debut by a U.S. band since SPOCK'S BEARD's "The Light". Here we are 5 years later and they've increased the heaviness quite a bit. What we get is song after song of heavy, melodic and very catchy music, almost like listening to hit after hit. I kept thinking of NICKELBACK because like that band this album stays with a formula that is heavy but radio friendly hard rock if you will. And that's the only negative for me but it's a big one.

The piano and drums stand out in the intro of "Reach". It kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes and the vocals follow. I like the guitar here. Piano ends it. "Angels Desire" is heavier as the vocals come in quickly. The vocals are deep and the guitar is prominant especially after 3 minutes. "Fallen" is catchy with the guitar out front until it settles with piano. Reserved vocals join in. It gets fuller as contrasts continue. "One Dark Moment (Providence)" is heavy with some organ this time. Very catchy too.

"My Goodness" opens with piano as reserved vocals join in. It's fuller before 2 minutes. Strings to end it. I like the lyrics on this one. "Head On Your Platter" kicks in heavily quickly. Lots of bottom end. I like the mood here. Strings before 4 minutes then it's heavy to end it. "Empty Me" features prominant piano,guitar and vocals. It settles before 3 1/2 minutes briefly then kicks back in. "The Battle Rages On" is heavy and uptempo. We get a childrens choir singing "Onward Christian Soldiers" at one point. Lots of piano when it kicks back in. "Spooning Out The Sea" is really the only laid back tune although it does get fuller. Nice guitar after 3 minutes.

Also missing for me on this one is that emotional element that I felt on the debut. Good album though.