Album Review
Roland on his own as producer, songwriter, and instrumental performer is not something to be afraid of. Given his obsessive tendencies when crafting songs, working without Curt Smith let him write the music he wished to make here, as well as on the solid follow-up, Raoul and the Kings of Spain. That is not to say you will hear something completely different from the band's first three albums: the record is still Tears for Fears in sound and spirit.
I am not a fan of genres like pop or new wave, but as a progressive rock fan, I can appreciate when artists experiment within their boundaries. This album has very strong melodies scattered throughout its ten tracks, as well as a surprising amount of textural depth. For example, the opening track begins with two rhythmic patterns in 4/4 and 5/4 simultaneously, and features highly memorable vocal melodies and rich textures.
The record occasionally suffers from dated keyboard sounds, but Roland can somehow make brilliant use of them, particularly with the repetitive keyboard riff dominating the epic sound of "Mr. Pessimist." Do not be alarmed: he chooses a colorful palette of sounds that feels organic and timeless, despite the polished nature of the production.
My favorite track is "Gas Giants," a psychedelic instrumental with an aura of melancholy, making great use of multiple layers of keyboards and improvisational bass guitar. The previously mentioned "Mr. Pessimist" is another highlight, with a sparse, epic sound and an experimental song structure that lacks a distinctive chorus.
"Power" is also expertly crafted and benefits from a heavy rock sound. "Brian Wilson Said" layers multiple vocal tracks and sounds beautiful in a retro sense. The other songs are solid in their own way and can sometimes blend into each other.
I recommend this album to listeners who care about top-notch melodies and intelligent songwriting without the use of avant-garde elements.
