With an opening song that would see President Bush's Anti Terrorist Brigade of Troops scurrying for cover like frightened vermin, "Jihad" gets things under way for what unfolds as a rather well conceived and executed suite of 17 songs. Thankfully, however, Armageddon doesn't arrive and things settle into a less vitriolic and threatening style of modern music with the odd retrospective glance over the shoulder at the 70's when it all began. These songs run the gamut from straight out rockers to the more than quirky look at building better mouse traps, the inevitable tale of love and lust gone awry and the obligatory tongue-in-cheek poke at how our normal formularized and busy lives, ultimately leads us nowhere in particular. The lyrics are particularly good and typify so many of today's problems, general comments or observations with a devious and openness that is so apt for these troubled times. The lyrics for "Ode To The Ex" are a real blast and are so representative of how many men view a break up with their spouses. Clever stuff!
The ultimate credit for most of the song writing goes to Mike Lunn whose keyboard and guitar work, while nothing exemplary in the virtuosity stakes, lays a solid and very imaginative foundation for his able assistants to add their respective contributions. Although NEO have a rather unique sound, I am mildly reminded of a more modern sounding version of an early 70's band called Stackridge whose music may be familiar to those lucky enough to have been around in that band's hey day. While there is nothing outrageously progressive sounding on this album, the music should definitely appeal to those who can appreciate quality song writing and clever arrangements without the flash and panache of the heavier handed guitar god bands. Songs swirl and move from slow and heavy sections to simpler and steadier rock grooves in a manner than achieves its intended purpose without sounding like every other band before them. However, for the most part, it is the variety and quality of the arrangements that appealed to me more than most new releases do.
Similarities are a little trickier but those who grew up on a diet of Supertramp, Split Enz, Lake, Be Bop Deluxe, Klaatu, Kayak, or any of those bands who were able to inject some humour and realism into their music, should find this right up their cul-de-sac. The instrumentation, retro-style of approach and extent of variety in each song should have you hitting the repeat button on many occasions. This is a good example of how do it properly without sounding too formulaic. Well done guys!
Track Listings:
1. Jihad
2. That's Life
3. Ode To The Ex
4. Siren's Song
5. The Golden Fleece
6. Daydreams
7. Build A Better Mouse Trap
8. Boll Weevil's Flea Circus
9. Through The Looking Glass
10. Savanas
11. The Maelstrom
12. Death & His Half-Brother Sleep
13. Full
14. Catacombs
15. Deja View
16. Anyman
17. Echoes
18. Back To The Tribe
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