Thorne, Steve - Part Two: Emotional Creatures

Year of Release: 2007
Label: GEP Records Ltd.
Catalog Number: GEPCD1036
Format: CD
Total Time: 54:32:00

Two years ago, the relatively unknown Steve Thorne surprised friend and foe with his excellent debut album Emotional Creatures: Part One. The title of this album, however, already suggested a Part Two and that is out now: Part Two: Emotional Creatures.

In a recent interview Thorne said the album was originally intended as a double album, but a double album as debut would be challenging the gods, so he split the album into two separate releases. And just as with the first album, he is supported by a truckload of friends and fellow musicians. The line up is basically the same, without Paul Cook and Steve Christy, but with Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Peter Trewavas (Marillion), Dave Meros (Spock's Beard) and a lot more people this time.

Does this huge line up mean the album is also more spectacular? Given the fact the songs were written at the time of the debut album, the line started there is continued here. But of course the musicians all add their talents to the recordings, so that does add to this album.

The instrumental opener "Toxicana Apocalypso" sets the tone for the album: melodic, yet intense. Excellent drumming here by Nick D'Virgilio (Spock's Beard). And really great keyboards, all played by Steve Thorne himself, who again takes up many instruments himself. And, as I already mentioned in my review of the first album, Steve Thorne has a very nice voice, which makes also this album a pleasure to listen to.

Although the songs are between 2 and 5 minutes, with two clocking over 7 minutes, the compositions are not rushed, but at all times, Thorne took his time to bring his message. And he has an interesting message to tell: (again just as in Part One) the songs deal with the various sides of the human emotions. I will leave the details to you to read in the lyrics. But since human emotions range from light to dark and everything in between, it will be no surprise that some songs will be darker and other of lighter mood.

Although the element of surprise is gone after the release of the first album, Part Two is the icing on the cake, as it contains the same elements: well written songs, superb musicians and Steve's voice. The music is intense, yet laid back and mellow. It is music that can bring your distressed soul to rest. What more do you want?

There is no point in me rambling on ? this is an album you just got to have. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Tracklisting:
Toxicana Apocalypso / Wayward / Crossfire / Roundabout / Hounded / All The Wisemen / Great Ordeal / 6am (Your Time) / Solace / The White Dove Song / Sandheads

Musicians:
Steve Thorne - vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, keyboards, fx samples, moog bass pedals, twelve string guitar
Nick D?Virgilio - drums
Tony Levin - bass guitar, Stick
Gary Chandler - guitars
Chriss Beggs - percussion, tambourine, bongos
Geoff Downes - organ
Gavin Harisson - drums
Rob Aubrey - percussion loop
John Mitchell - guitars
Dave Meros - Rickenbacker bass
Martin Orford - Hammond organ
Arnie Cottrell - mandolin
Liz Allan - backing vocals
Pete Trewavas - bass
Yan Zewada - piccolo, trumpet
Anna Wyse - viola
Louise Coggins, Lydia Handy: violin
Kathy Higgins, Bernard Postlethwaite - cello
Adrian Cleverly - French horn, bass trombone
Kate Redwood - French horn

Discography:
Emotional Creatures: Part One (2005)
Part Two: Emotional Creatures (2007)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin UK

Added: May 28th 2007
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.steve-thorne.co.uk
Hits: 4275
Language: english