Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Andrew Robinson is back yet again with another incarnation of Magus, his progressive/space rock alter ego. This time around the feel is much more of a band effort, as Andrew has surrounded himself with a large cast of musicians, but he still continues to handle most of the vocals, guitars and keyboards.
While earlier efforts bordered at times on lengthy, full-blown space rock and ambient explorations, here the compositions are much shorter and punctuated by more earthy sounds created by instruments such as flute and violin. The first two tracks, “Rainforest” and “The Green Earth” are perfect examples of this more organic sound. The more acoustic based “North Atlantic Song” has a lead vocal that hints heavily of Pendragon, but contains some real spooky keys that remind of And Then There Were Three from Genesis. In fact, the acoustic sound permeates many of the songs on this CD, especially on “Stranded” and “I Am The Sun”. A couple of instrumentals are thrown in, but are extremely laid back and almost “new age” in style, highlighted by meditative keyboard soundscapes, occasional guitars, chimes and percussion. Perhaps the highlight is the two part closer, “The Man Who Killed the River” which will please Magus fans who prefer Robinson’s more sonic adventures. It features Andrew’s signature guitar lines, bubbling synths, and snapping drums, and really gives the whole affair the “oomph” that many of the previous songs might have lacked. While not a CD to get you overly exited, The Green Earth is a pleasing listen and refreshing change of pace.
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