I have to say, I like the drumming on the album.Originally Posted by Monet
First of all, an unreserved recommendation for the fans of the good ol' Symphonic rock can be made. It's an extremely interesting cross between elements from the 70's Genesis and Yes. The band really knew how to use the characteristic stylistic devices of these two bands without looking like a copy. Rather, a variant that is unique of this kind has been created. Martin Henderson sings in higher registers and he sings well; his voice is clear and goes thoroughly with the music, and therewith he doesn't imitate Jon Anderson.
From the instrumental side, the wonderful Mellotron and the wonderfully booming bass are particularly noteworthy. Parallels to Yes can be drawn precisely because of the variable bass playing, which is very similar to that of Chris Squire. From the general atmosphere one is closer to Genesis. In the case of the sophisticated polyphonic singing, Gentle Giant can also come to mind. Otherwise, what is offered here is wonderfully independent and refreshing.
In terms of quality, England offer five really great songs. Particularly noteworthy is the extremely dynamic "Midnight Madness" as an introduction. Further highlights are the two long tracks "All Alone" and "Poisoned Youth". Here really all the elements are present that make the heart of every sympho-rock nostalgic beat faster. So the style of England is anything but getting used to, you feel at home somehow; "Garden Shed" is always fun if you are into the 'symphonic' sound of the Seventies.
In the end, England weren't like the children who are so similar to the ancestors without reaching their own class and originality that one would rather turn back to the originals. Although the reminiscences and influences are audible, these Englishmen created their own mix of them, which they put under their own fund. After all, doesn't a genre emerge only when great role models get their creative followers?
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