Every once in a while, for any Metalhead, there is always an album that may not be up to Heavy Metal standards in regards to heaviness that will grab you, Life is one of those records that is respectable for those who are into moody progressive records.
In more relation to a less sophisticated progressive rock album, for the most part putting aside the complex structure of improvisations and extended epical themes to emphasize the songwriting, which is the proportionate focus on Life,
Green takes their own brand of Progressive invention to a more pop related position.
The concept of the record itself drives from the idea of reality contrasting personal worldly perception, through a journey through life, seeking purpose; which is something we all can relate to at one time or another, giving the record more of a down to earth vibe. The influence of
Pink Floyd and
Rush can be heard on the record with their sound being reminiscent to late-period Marillion, Presto/Roll the Bones-era
Rush, with a little bit of a less frivolous Spock's Beard or Flower Kings sound, complete with keyboards.
The album itself is not very heavy guitar wise, although riff driven throughout, with the occasional Metal-tinged solo, the axework is more in relation to the Strat through an overdriven Fender Twin along with a load of acoustics on the record, rather than your wall of Marshalls that dominate most Metal records. You are almost fooled by hearing the intro to the record,
"The Wind of Love," which is heavy unto itself, but the record changes from then on, going into the more laid back approach.
With a more mellow approach to the overall playing it should not surprise you that several laid back ballad-like cuts dignify the record. Cuts like the pop piano ballad
"Conscience," the powerful but yet emotional acoustic
"Cycling in the Rain," and the moody-ballad
"Sometimes." But don't let that scare you, while the approach isn't totally laid back, songs like
"Mr. Kite," "I Still Love," and
"I Gotta Run" keeps the record from being too sleepy in nature, with their own heavy crunch. When it comes to the most progressive song on the record, that award goes to
"The Storm Aside," an extended track, complete with soloing from both the guitar and keyboard side of things, but that track stands alone.
While being the debut concept album from this Italian quartet, it is a good place for them to start, keeping it real, rather than to bring themselves forth among the progressive rock bands that put more emphasis on solo improvisation and sci-fi themes,
Green came forth with an album on their terms.
Written by
Hashman Thursday, July 10, 2003
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