Undeniable Passion
“Close My Eyes” is melodic and up beat, but there is an echo, whether purposely or not, of Sting. That’s not to say that this opening track doesn’t work well, there is just a very “arty” feel to it. Whereas “Bring Me Down” is a pacey number with sweeping melodies that is on a par with “Step Into The Light” - making greater use of the guitar work than on most of the other tracks.
“Lost” is truly an anthem for the angst ridden, lovelorn and depressed people of the world, with a wide sound, but personal vocals. Soft piano, guitars and a very gentle bass line, are all matched with lines like “I can’t forget that I lost” - if you're not crying in the intro, you will be by the last resounding note. Much the same can be said about “Just Want To Live” - again gentle sounds with lyrics that’ll make you weep.
Then there’s “Forgotten” which in places has a “Lennon/McCartney” style with a real 60’s beat, interspersed with a chorus, which is almost mocking.
Then it’s time to turn on the lava lamp, lay back, burn the incense sticks and put on “Daybreak” and “Coming Down” then relax into these numbers. Fabulously mixed sounds combine here to make a melodic medley that you can’t help but chill out to. The vocal work on these is inspired as it provides the undercurrents and focal points at exactly the right moment.
“Can You Hear Me” and the upbeat “Elevation” are both studies of the restrained epic sound that characterises this band. You keep expecting them to break through that barrier, but never quite do so. Being able to control themselves musically is a great ability that “The Open” have and it is displayed here, when all the instruments and the vocals could be said to be the major elements without competing against each other.
“The Open” obviously believe in what they play and there is an undeniable passion in the results of their work. However it would be good to hear them kicking up a gear and putting more of an edge to what they do.