Big Ears

Here goes:


1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

I did not like the album at first, it was too Genesis-like and too gentle.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

It (the opening track) is the most Genesis-like and exemplified the problems I had with the album. Having said this it is catchy and D'Virgilio's drumming is excellent. Thankfully, on the second track, they move away from the overt Genesis influences.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

Uncle Jack tries to be evocative, but is too cold and clinical. I like the device of repeating associated compound words.

Winchester From St Giles' Hill is a bit overwrought, but is influenced by the Bee Gees, as were Genesis, and employs a George Benson-style guitar solo for good measure.

Judas Unrepentant has some sparkling keyboards and strong use of strings.

Summoned By Bells is my favourite track. Lead singer David Longdon finally has a good shout. The use of brass is outstanding.

Upton Heath is probably my next favourite and is beautifully sung.

A Boy In Darkness, cleverly uses instruments to portray dark and light.

Hedgerow is almost a Genesis SEBTP bookend as it returns to Uncle Jack.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

Peter Gabriel-like, with greater technical ability, but less 'character'.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

The playing is technically adept, but needs more oomph.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

It definitely improved - a lot.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

In some cases very faithful to the story and they make a refreshing change to all the love songs.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

Yes. Nick D'Virgilio's playing stood out. The instrumentation is very meticulous as you would expect from this band, but the clinical production made it seem flat. The band need a punchier bass player in my opinion.

9. What did you think of the production?

Clear and sharp, but too cold.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

I know them moderately well and have heard other albums. This was the first time I have worked at listening to them.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

To me, they are new progressive. They describe themselves as part progressive and part post-rock. I have no idea what post-rock means. It strikes me as jargon, but perhaps someone could enlighten me.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

Definitely more. I had to work at this album. Early on, I switched to Heaven and Hell's Devil You Know as I was desperate for music with bite.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

Summoned by Bells, the album's epic, and Upton Heath, the opposite in being quiet and gentle.

14. And the one you liked least?

There wasn't one.

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?

I am not certain if this band is improving by becoming more Genesis-like.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

I am looking forward to part two, but whether I continue listening to this album, remains to be seen.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

Yes, the Victorian notion that the countryside is redemptive, is one I agree with wholeheartedly. However, their attempt at being pastoral tended to fail with the clinical production. This is what you get when you sing about the countryside and record with computers.

18. Did the album end well?

They almost used the Simon and Garfunkle, Carpenters and Genesis bookend technique. It worked reasonably well.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

In three words: add more punch.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

The album is very cohesive in that it is thematic. The band like to throw in abstract ideas and it works very well.

Overall Album Rating: 7.5 out of 10. I would like to give it 8, but it is just too soporific.

I have drafted a review, which I will post in my journal.