Life Within A Day
contains 9 tracks varying in length from just over 3 minutes (“The
Summer Backwards”) to 6.5 minutes (“A Life Within A Day”). The rousing
opening track “A Life Within A Day” has a real old-style prog feel to
the start and then goes into a sequence that recalls Led Zeppelin (as
does Track 7 “Storm Chaser”) but never mimics the old rockers. The
guitar of Steve Hackett adds little motifs here and there and there and
is a nod towards the sound of Yes around the halfway mark. It is a
cracker of an opening track that literally grabs you immediately. By the
time you are into Track 2 “Tall Ships” there is a feeling of
comfort….like wearing a favorite old pair of jeans…but no thoughts of
“heard it all before” come to mind.
“Aliens,”
“Sea of Smiles” and “Perfect Love Song” all highlight the classic bass
playing of Chris Squire and feature ample opportunity for Steve Hackett
to show his skills. Their vocal harmonizing is found further in and out
of the mix on different tracks but they complement each other well.
Three tracks tend to be less like prog than the others, “Divided Self”
has an almost country rock feel ultimately ends with a whirling
Wurlitzer organ. “The Summer Backwards” leans towards a simple pop
record and “Can’t Stop The Rain” has a very jazzy feel to it.
Overall Life Within A Day
is an excellent album for a debut, with enough prog moments to satisfy
but also enough variation to please a much wider range of listeners.
4.5/5 Stars
Key Tracks: A Life Within A Day, Tall Ships, Aliens
Jim Lawson
July 12, 2012
No comments:
Post a Comment