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FEAR
GLD are a band who, in my opinion, fit well into the 'progressive' category.
They have, to a degree, achieved an identity of their own by blending the more traditional keyboard/guitar sound, associated with progressive music, with an a more aggressive style and some harsh hard hitting vocal delivery. Formed in the early 90's, GLD have had a fairly chequered career to date. They have undergone several line up changes, and last year announced that they were playing a farewell gig at London's LA2 venue; only to regroup and reform again earlier this year. During their time together they have recorded three studio albums, 'Fear' being the latest of these. The album consists of seven tracks lasting for just under an hour; the last of these, 'Paper Chains', being the culmination of the story begun on the first album 'The Crime'.
Ironically, the opening track is called 'And Finally'; its intro has a long atmospheric build up before launching into the song proper. Both the intro and the main part of the song are very good separately, but the
mood seems to change in such a way that the pieces do not sit well together, and whilst the song has some nice keyboard/guitar pieces, the drums are a little too intrusive at times. 'Roller Coaster' is full of
sweeping keyboard passages which, it has to be said, are a little too reminiscent of some of the earlier Genesis albums. The track also contains some quite inspiring guitar work, but regrettably it tends to be
underemphasized and also has a tendency to be drowned out by the keyboards.
'Modern Day Cavalier', a much quieter song, is as close as GLD come to a ballad and seems to be much better suited to Wilson's vocals; the overall sound is very pleasant. The shortest track on the CD, at 4:36,
is 'Final Decree' - the song is fairly repetitive, and is dominated by the drums and a very staccato bass sound and is, for me, probably the weakest track on the album.
However, things start picking up again from here on. 'Sliding' has a strong guitar opening, although I cannot help feeling that someone was listening to IQ before writing it! The same can also be said of some of the keyboard passages, but in spite of that this I have to say I really enjoy listening to this track.
'Usurper' is another slower tempo number which makes excellent use of piano and again, Wilson's voice seems to be far more at home in the framework of this piece. The closing track is 'Paper Chains (the crime
part 3)', parts 1 & 2 having both appeared on the bands first CD, 'The Crime'.
This is a faster moving piece, compared to the previous track, and this contrast works well with a good strong bass line, that drives the tune forward, and the spot on drum mix. The keyboard work is also balanced well against the guitar parts, rather than drowning them out - all in all this has to be the best track on the album.
When I first bought this album, it was never far out of reach and was given a considerable amount of play time. Since then, partly as a result of running this site, I have considerably broadened my listening
horizons and, on revisiting this album, I find it to be not quite as I remembered it! There are some good songs on this CD for sure, but at times Martin Wilson's vocals are just a bit too rough to make for
comfortable listening, and some of the ideas, from a musical perspective, are far from original. However, if you like traditional style neo-progressive music, you will probably enjoy this album -
although, for my money, a better introduction to the band can be had with the live album, 'Time of Our Lives' (recorded at the band's 'farewell show' last year).
Simon 1st September 1999
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STARCROSSED
Tracklist: Fading Faith (9.12); Shattered (5.26); As The Brakes Fail (7.56); Fallen (13.55); New Age Tyranny (7.05); Sands of Time (4.29); Truth (10.38); Crossfire (7.33).
'Star-Crossed' is Grey Lady Down's first album in four years: in the interim, the band disbanded (in '98), then reformed and recruited a new drummer in '99 - when three of the tracks from this album were given
a first airing. This is the first release on the band's own Perfect Pop label.
The band lineup now consists of vocalist Martin Wilson; Mark Westworth - synthesizers, 12 string and Mellotron; Sean Spear - bass; Julian Hunt - guitars; and Phill Millichamp - drums.
The artwork in the CD booklet is stunning (see the cover above) although it would have been handy to have the lyrics included.
A simple piano line opens the album and the musical intro to 'Fading Faith' quickly builds. GLD have expanded their sound and, right from the start, the music is richer sounding than what has gone before.
This is an excellent number which is generally pretty up beat, but with some changes in pace.
Wilson's voice, as ever, sounds great; the instrumentation is complex and well performed, with some superb keyboard work. A welcome return to the new and improved GLD!
An effective chunky sound begins 'Shattered' and, accompanied by a subdued synths, descends below the vocals.
This track has a somewhat different feel to the first; it is very textured although the sound is starker, and is more interesting rhythmically, while the vocals veer from gentle to impassioned.
The first part of 'As The Brakes Fail' has a tranquil and serene feel but, a couple of minutes in, the pace picks up and the music becomes more jazzy. The different instrumental strands are deftly woven
together and the result is a fine, keyboard led romp that is easy on the ear.
A clear keyboard line introduces 'Fallen', a song with a great sung melody. The music supports the vocals with a bright and crisp sound, then breaks free for a sustained instrumental section and some wonderful
keyboard work can be found here, although each of the musicians plays their own part. A final vocal and instrumental sector gives way to to the stunning piano outro that closes this track and links with
the next ...
'New Age Tyranny' is a stirring number full of contrasts; with full, rich instrumentation set against simpler parts, the sound ebbing and flowing very effectively and some excellent guitar work.
Acoustic guitars begin and are evident throughout 'Sands of Time'. This is a charming song, pretty different to the rest of the tracks on the album and featuring flute work by Hughie McMillan ... a very nice piece.
A spiraling synth sound starts 'Truth'. This is another heavily textured work, although this is has a more smoothly flowing feel.
Effective chunky bass work forms a strong base and there is some more super piano work that lifts and highlights the piece - and some nice guitar too.
The final track is 'Crossfire' with its heavier rhythm section. There's excellent guitar work throughout the piece and, in addition, special guest Bernie Marsden provides a wonderful solo ... a dramatic end to
the album.
Musically, GLD are much improved; their sound is still neo prog based, but it has matured and now has more breadth, depth, warmth and passion - this album will certainly please old fans while also gaining the band
new converts.
Marisa 6th May, 2001
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