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Current concise reviews of the albums by adult alternative, contemporary, and crossover artists. Images of album artwork and links to both internet-based resources are always included. Click on the title to view the article.

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One For The Crow CD Cover
Image © Cyclops Records 2002  
 

(02 June 2002) The long-awaited third album from Holland's FlamboroughHead is entitled One For The Crow (Cyclops (UK) CYCL 108, 2002). The departure of the band's previous vocalist has made room for MargrietBoomsma to come to the fore, adding a different perspective, and, along her great flute, whistle and recorder playing, gives some of the tracksa Mostly Autumn (review) feel.

The album has a lush keyboard orchestral-style opening before the title track introduces itself. A bass solo precedes a break where excellent guitar and keyboard work abound before slowly evolving backinto the main theme. Vocal harmonies add texture to the material. This studio album is somewhat less dynamic than the band'slive performance and the recording's production lacks some of the flair and rich progressive texture--sounding a bit shallow in spots--especially whenconsidering the band's earlier releases.

Epic-length tracks are introduced with short codas of tin whistle,guitar and keyboards before twists and turns including lush keyboardsMemorable melodies are strung together by virtuous instrumental solos. Margriet's emotive, theatrical-style vocals are reminscent at times of Tracy Hitchings (review).

Stunning guitar and keyboard-laced instrumentals introduce one ofthe album's standout tracks, "Nightlife." The lyrics give Margrietto tell the story of a seductress while the band's soaring guitars and crisp percussion perfectly compliment the vocals. "Old Forest" is a lovely acoustic-style instrumental appropriately seeded with the Celtic overtones of flute and recorder.

The classic rock track "Limestone Rock," is a certain to be a runawaysuccess for Flamborough Head. The highly accessible main melody will attract broad appeal while a vast instrumental solo in the song's bridgereminds the listener of the band's progressive roots. We especiallyenjoyed the lead vocal and supporting harmony layers and the recordersolo buried within the song's bridge.

Flamborough Head's third album One For The Crow is a highlyenjoyable work and one that will appeal to new and old fans alike. Theone criticism we have with the recording is the that the production quality is not as good as the band's earlier releases. Read further reviews, listen to soundbites and order the album at amazon.co.ukhere. Clearly worth a trans-Atlantic journey, the album is amust listen!

 
 
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