There is little doubt as to what influenced Lee
Saunders to produce this fine solo CD. Timed to commemorate the
50th anniversary of VE day, this is a slap in your face anti war
and right wing bigotry stance.
Having read a few reviews on this album I couldn't
help noticing that comparisons with Floyds', 'The Wall' kept popping
up. Yes OK this is very Floyd but this is definitely 'final cut'
territory or should I say this is what 'final cut' should have
been! Before all you manic depressives get the idea that you will
be slashing your wrists before the album is over, then just hold
your horses.
Although 'A Promise of Peace' illuminates the
gruesome events surrounding the Second World War, it doesn't share
the miserable depressive foreboding always evident on 'final cut'.
This album is indeed compulsive fare. What dominates is some quite
superb guitar and sax from Nik Smith and Rob Boyce, with Lee Saunders
himself creating grand symphonic moments on the keyboards. Lee's
vocals are not too dissimilar to Roger Waters completing the Floyd
image.
Linking most tracks you can catch Winston Churchill
himself at his eloquent best, See also if you can spot the vehemently
rabid Hitler!
Looking through the eyes of a humble British
Tommy, Lee Saunders has created a musical masterpiece that can't
fail to tap the emotions. Whether it be the rockier hard edged
track 'For a Thousand Years' or the truly sublime 'Soldier on
Tom', this is pure class!!
Reviewed by Martin Dyas.
