"All we are saying, is give peace a chance".
Those famous lyrics by John Lennon (we are still
missing him, aren't we?) could be Lee Saunders'
message. A proof this anthem is not obsolete. On a musical point
of view, Lee and his band are rather closer to Roger Waters:
the vocals, the guitar parts - oops, I mean David Gilmour's!
- and the general structure, the (several devices... An influence
he does not except, even if this is quite another generation (Lee
is 32, so he didn't go through those dark years but his grand
parents did), even if he lives outside the prog spheres... Quite
different on a musical point of view, Lennon
and Waters are yet very close by their pacifist
attitude. But Lennon was more an anti Vietnam
soldier, while Waters was more shocked by World
War II. Lee Saunders is definitely obsessed by
that period: his concept is about 1939-1945. A story of suffer
and misery. Of sons killed during the battles (including D day)
and parents missing them, for ever.
This doesn't mean he is speaking of the past
but of reality. Open your eyes! The news are here to testify that
war is not over. This album is just a courageous denunciation
of a still present feature : this explains why the major labels
refused this project (who spoke of censorship?) and why it's a
private release. An acclaimed concept album yet (thank God) which
is going to be a film soon... Ouch, I just can't wait, remembering
how Marillion's "Brave" (the movie)
enlightened "Brave" (the album). A great idea for this
concept is very visual (I know it's strange speaking of sight
for music!).
The only aspect I regret, on a strictly progressive
point of view, is a certain lack of instrumental parts. This will
be corrected next time, Lee says, while working on his new project.
It's hard to say that because I write lyrics myself. But I must
finally admit a strong message needs words better than notes,
especially when it's a story. This is the only drawback then...
Best value for your money too (sorry Lee, I know you hate that
word) since the CD's length is more than an hour (77 mins). But
I repeat mainly because this is a great job, a courageous, sincere
and generous work. Who wrote that the new generation has nothing
to say, no ideals? I suggest he should listen to Lee Saunders
carefully. (Crystal Music International).
Reviewed by Thierry Sportouche.
