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I have been familiar with some of the material on "Dark
Angel", as some of the tracks have been part of the live set
for the last 6 months or so, namely the title track, "Breaking
the 4th Wall" and "Sharp Sea".***
It’s obvious the band were looking to refine their sound,
to go in a heavier, somewhat more intense direction, though
still retaining some of the more melodic elements of the debut
album.***
The title track has been given a real shot in the arm
on the new album, re-recorded with new guitarist (Owain Roberts),
whose heavier, more metal-ish sound has added a real heavy
edge to the band’s sound. I always felt that this one had
a bit of a (Dream Theater) feel about it, which is no bad
thing at all. Love that ‘Pull Me Under’ vocal refrain near
the end.***
"Sharp Sea" is another great rocker, but with a wonderfully
melodic chorus and dynamic guitar work from both Owain and
Dylan. It’s already become a staple of the live set.***
"How Far to Fall" is in a somewhat softer vein, featuring
Gareth on lead vocals. It has a great ‘folky’ feel to it,
almost like one of those old sea-shanty’s. I find that the
songs Gareth is more involved in tend to be more melodic and
slightly poppier, but that just adds to the versatility of
the band and provides a nice contrast to the heavier numbers.***
"Call Me God" is a real fast paced slice of rock, with
a slightly punkish feel to it and has a real powerful vocal
from Dylan. And though it’s a very varied, intricate song
it flows beautifully.***
"In The Future" is another laid back song that was written
and arranged by Dylan. Something of a showcase for Dylan’s
talents this one, a haunting lament for the future... perhaps
the future not living up to our expectations? Only Dylan knows,
I guess...***
"Absolute Zero", being another Gareth composition, has
a more contemporary and almost funky vibe. Great chorus too,
and I love that "Falling into infinity" refrain. Great stuff.***
"Breaking the 4th Wall" is possibly my favourite track, a
mightily appealing ballad and a real showcase for Rachel and
Gareth’s vocals. One of those songs that just hooks you in
straight away and feels like you have been listening to it
for years – it already feels like a classic. Such is the enduring
appeal of this song that when it was played at the recent
launch party gig with just Rachel, Gareth and Dylan on acoustic,
my friend Dave stood there with his eyes closed for the whole
song, and opened them at the end and said “Wow... what the
****!”
But what I was not prepared for was what came next...
the absolute monster that is "A Musing Dream". It starts with
slightly sinister atonal piano sounds and the sounds of children
playing... and then hits you right in the gut with a real
crunchy guitar sound worthy of any of the best of the major
metal bands out there. It is reminiscent of something (Pain
of Salvation) might do, and that’s very good company to be
in...***
But then it takes a left turn half way through, slows
down and turns into something quite beautiful. This section
is probably the proggiest bit on the album – delicate acoustic
guitar, some superb three-way vocal interplay between Dylan,
Rachel and Gareth, and layers of keyboards intertwined with
soaring guitars. Owen pulls off a really great little solo
here, a real clean, inspired piece of guitar work. A sublime
piece of music.***
Dylan's vocals on the album really stand out more this
time round, he sounds like he put a lot of energy into it.
I don't know if it's because the songs themselves are generally
heavier and more edgy than on "Awakening", but he really stands
out on this one.***
Gareth’s keyboards also seem to have been augmented and
expanded, providing lots more interesting textures and layers,
though not to the extent that the songs are swamped with unnecessary
synth washes.***
And I can really pick out Matt’s bass lines as on this
album as well, he is much more prominent than before - that
combination of Matt’s accentuated bass lines and Owen’s powerful
guitar adds a real hard edge to the band’s sound.***
The production on the album is excellent, courtesy of
bass player Matt, but kudos to (John Mitchell’s) mixing job
too - obviously he was able to capture the sound the band
wanted and bring out the best in them. Going back to the first
album, I personally felt that the band should really beef
up those guitars and bass, go for that heavier sound - and
what I hear now on this album is the sound I feel the band
were heading towards from those early demo's.***
9/10
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