Perhaps I shouldn't be reviewing this album with
it's more contemporary rock sound, but what the hell, it's bloody
good. In many ways it reminds me of Pink Floyd's "The Wall",
but emphasis is on the stupidity of war, with haunting voices
of old newsreels, Hitler's loony ravings and lighter moments of
farce.
The idea behind this project was to commemorate
VE Day bringing peace throughout Europe, and with every copy comes
a poppy and is endorsed by the Royal British Legion Sussex County.
Lee took twelve months to put it together aided
by ten local musicians. What's the music like, I hear you say.
Well the musicianship is of the highest standard and crystal clear
sound makes one hell of an album. Lee plays keyboards and introduces
majestic orchestral stirring themes throughout. Poignant acoustic
songs mix with out and out rock, heavy and aggressive, the vocals
of Neil Sherwood are especially fine, strong and dynamic, almost
sounding like Peter Gabriel at times.
As we feed our way through this concept there's
always harrowing nostalgic wartime voices, okay there are many
similarities to Floyd's music but who cares, the lighter and darker
parts of this release are perfectly balanced, enjoyable! Yes,
and I'm sure many fans reading this review and hearing the track
on the C.D. will think so too, only the synth junkies would give
this the thumbs down. Recommended.
Reviewed by Mick Garlic.
