| Band
Members: |
Rob Reed / keyboards, bass, guitars,
backing vocals, recorder, tambourine, Grand piano, mandolin,
acoustic guitar |
Christina / lead vocals |
| The
Review |
Before reading this review - first read my companion review
for "Home" , as that will put this release more in context.
The band decided, prior to releasing a new album, to split
the release into 2 separate albums: Home and The New York
Suite. The former is discussed in a separate review as it
is somewhat different in sound from this. I have no idea why
the band chose to do this, as I frankly would have appreciated
the double cd release more. This is especially true given
the fact that the New York Suite consists of a middle portion
of the story and it seems somewhat odd to split it this way.
Both Home and the New York Suite are currently available in
a special package (hurry - once it is sold out, it is gone!).
The New York Suite is more like the band's 2 previous
releases in style. Longer songs, more changes within each
song, more mellotron, much more moog, and overall more of
what the average proghead wants. Both Home and this album
are filled with acoustic guitar background strumming - something
I love. The storyline consists of the portion of the Home
story where the main character is in New York and dealing
with the difficulties of the city. Because the main character
is not happy in New York by and large, the lyrics are actually
a bit depressing.
The music is fantastic, though in a different way from
Home. I actually prefer this release slightly over Home, but
many may not see much difference. The music here seems to
me to be more "difficult" and involved than its more streamlined
counterpart. Again you will find fantastic writing and Christina's
vocals are obviously incredible. You have to pick this up
if you get Home - you are missing out if you didn't get this
portion of the story.
Rating: 4 stars
|
