This is an album of missed opportunity. The opportunity to avoid nepotism when replacing the excellent Jonathan Blackmore on drums was passed up and instead there’s Iain Jennings brother on drums who, in my opinion is way too raw and unsubtle for MA’s overall sound.

There are little oddities as well. “Coming to” I think is a joke on the part of Iain and I think is meant to illustrate what happens when you get into a dream where everything is getting better and better, then you suddenly “come to” (wake up) and get left with bleary eyes and a fuzzy head and a feeling of loss. Bit pointless perhaps but it illustrates the point well.

For me, you have to go to the previous albums “Catch the spirit” or “Passengers” to hear MA at their finest. I hope that storms was just a phase of Bryan’s. I would hate to think that they have ditched all that makes them unique in favour of being just another 70’s throwback tring to emulate Pink Floyd. That would be a criminal waste of fine talent.

Check out my latest Grateful Dead post… if you have high speed access, follow the May 9th link. Trust me on the first three songs.