The 3rd release of 25 Yard Screamer (not counting the demo EP) is a mature work of the highest quality. The band openly acknowledge their influences and have the chops to deliver on them - a vocal direction similar to post-Fish Marillion and an instrumental style influenced by Rush. Mixed in with this and not to be overlooked is the band's ability to generate an underlying rock power as do bands like Tool and Pain of Salvation. In fact, fans of all 4 of the mentioned bands would find much to like here.
Nick James is a powerful and effective vocalist and the trio are more than skilled on their individual instruments. The songwriting both musically and lyrically is very strong. Cassandra does not sound as though it comes from a guitar/bass/drum trio who made and produced this recording from their home.
The CD consists of 4 tracks - the opener, Blacklight is nearly 20 minutes in length - varied and powerful. The song demonstrates everything that recommends the band. The closer, Cassandra is just under 30 minutes! in length (does anyone release CDs with 50 minutes in two tracks anymore?). Sandwiched between are Insomnia, at under 5 minutes is a dreamy track that totally suggests the later directions of Marillion. The third track, Boy In The Middle which clocks in under 4 minutes a more straight forward modern rock song. There are some suggestions of The Who as well as U2 in this track and plenty of melodic-rock hooks..
Cassandra (in Greek mythology she had the gift of prophecy but not of being believed) is a concept album. It draws in styles from two of the genre's most influential bands and contains extended tracks in the style of old-school prog. 25 Yard Screamer are a talented band bursting with ideas. I do not think Cassandra is going to be the best CD 25 Yard Screamer ever release but with this CD, the water is fine and it is the perfect time for the wider prog audience to jump on in. This album has a definite slot on my 'Best of 2007' list.
