a l b u m r e v i e w s


AIR PAVILION
THE RIVER / THE LIFE
Atrheia Records Italy
Produced by: Not Listed
Released: OUT / Website
Closest Relative: Mothers Army
GENRE: Hard Rock
OVERALL: 75%

  1. The River/The Life
  2. The Flood
  3. Great Flow
  4. Holy River
  5. The Canyon
  6. End Of The River
  7. Stream In A Tube
  8. The Road (To Rome)
  9. Remembering
  10. Overture

I got the first Air Pavilion album (which incidentally also featured Kelly Hansen on vocals) when it was originally released. In fact the only reason I got it was Hansen on vocals. But I can't say I liked it much at all.
It was an album that didn't flow overly well. Some OK songs that had melody enough to catch your ear, but a few experimental songs that frankly held little interest.
Several years later another Air Pavilion album is before us. Once again, using the great Kelly Hansen (Hurricane, Unruly Child) for vocals, this time the album is an environmental concept record.
For better effect, listen to the album from start to finish. It is not an album that has individual songs to catch your attention. Much like the last two Mother's Army records, there are no hit singles here, nor any real standout anthems.
Instead there are songs that flow together in a story, with melodies hidden in the delivery of the vocal and the varying pace between songs.
There are still some experimental moments like Holy River and End Of The River, but the album as a whole is a more enjoyable experience than the debut.
Kelly Hansen's vocals are top notch and are primarily what makes this record for me. I can't imaging it holding as much appeal with a second rate vocalist.
BOTTOM LINE: Better than the first Air Pavilion record and a more cohesive effort. But having said that, being a pretty heavy going and intense concept record, the appeal of this record is decreased. Kelly Hansen fans should not buy blindly as there are no rock anthems here. However, if you have the patience for concept albums and are looking for something a little different, this might be perfect.
PRODUCTION: 80% SONGS: 79% VIBE: 70%ATTITUDE: 70%
ESSENTIAL FOR: Die hard Kelly Hansen fans and those fond of concept albums.
DISCOGRAPHY:Sarfph Cough . The River / The Life

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