Here's my opinion:
1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?
As has been said, just how progressive is an album that still actually sounds like a Peter Gabriel era Genesis album!
2. What did you think of the opening tracks?
Once you get past the obvious Genesis sounding stuff, the songs have a gentle swaying feel by a band that are confident with what they're putting out here.
3. What did you think of the later tracks?
If anything, the later tracks seemed to diversify slightly musically and some more modern elements were drafted into the mix.
4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?
He certainly grew up listening to Peter Gabriel and he does an accomplished job on the album.
5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?
Certain aspects of the album really appealed to me, in the end I saw the album as a kind of tribute to Genesis in a strange sort of way, which is a surprise because the Genesis taint usually put me off these days. If I want a Genesis fix, I'll listen to the "Real McCoy" but this did appeal to me in the end.
6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?
Seemed to be consistent throughout, but if I had to choose, it actually got better around the midway point, just before it slumped again into a couple of slower tracks which dragged things out a bit.
7. What did you think of the lyrical content?
The lyrics fitted the concept and feel of the album.
8. Did you like the instrumental parts?
One of the highlights of the album and the instrumentals created a lovely backdrop at times.
9. What did you think of the production?
The production sounded as I expected it would, but I'm no expert on what very good, good or just average production really sounds like in some cases. But I know how to spot bad production. This sounded crisp and clear to me and so very good.
10. How well do you already know the band/artist?
Had never heard of them before, I'm somewhat out of touch with modern day progressive acts.
11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?
I suppose old school progressive rock with a modern type of sheen added to the whole package. But saying this, just what is modern day progressive rock actually meant to sound like?
12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?
I listened to it twice and wasn't overly impressed the first time round, on a second listen I found it a much more accomplished album and liked it.
13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?
No clear winner here, but I did find "Judas Unrepetant" a really enjoyable track.
14. And the one you liked least?
There was nothing really bad, but I'd say "Uncle Jack" was the weakest effort here.
15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?
Not applicable as I don't know their discography.
16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?
I've pencilled them in and I'm wondering what their earlier albums sound like....I'm guessing they could be like Genesis. Was surprised they had so many albums.
17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?
Something to do with an easier rural based lifestyle? At times the album also reminded me of some of the middle to later period XTC discography with its rural type feel.
18. Did the album end well?
I liked "Hedgerow" and it did at times seem like a strange mix of the Byrds meets Kinks era "David Watts" outside of that sound it was less interesting and despite liking the song, I think they could've had a better album closer.
19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?
Seemed tight all round and the band seemed to set out what they wanted to do, which was to sound like Genesis in 2012.
20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?
The consistency of the album was its strongpoint and the band really are a fully cohesive unit.
Overall Album Rating: 8 out of 10. (would have got a higher mark had it been more original)
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Originally Posted by eraser.time206
If you can't deal with the fact that there are 6+ billion people in the world and none of them think exactly the same that's not my problem. Just deal with it yourself or make actual conversation. This isn't a court and I'm not some poet or prophet that needs everything I say to be analytically critiqued.
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Last edited by Unknown Soldier; 12-05-2012 at 03:50 PM.
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