The music in Chinese Songs is complex, many times bombastic and pretentious, while encompassed with many slower parts where the chamber and classic influences are mostly thrown in the mix. And this mixture, as well as the flawless ability of the players to interpret it is what makes this band such a serious case of competence and utter brilliancy.
Tracks such as the opening I’m sitting in front of a cup not drinking and Sitting carefree in the shadow of the pavilion present the most calm, almost atmospheric and classic vein of the band, while Absorbed in my thoughts shows us the most crafted and complex side of LT. Surprisingly, At the window is a complete change of scenery, as it is tremendously close to solo Sting in something from The Soul Cages or The Dream of the Blue Turtles. But in there came an unexpected guest the band is back on its more recognizable tracks, though maintaining a laid back and calm musicality that is slowly building up to be transformed in a more audacious and modern symphonic track. The true progressive spirit of the band is fully in display in this track, with its changes, crescendos, the use of the instruments and harmonies, as the vintage and the contemporary tricks seem to walk hand-in-hand and constructing what is, perhaps, the most brilliant track of the album.
Wanderer is an eerie experience through strange but calm lands, while the closing Do you remember how we said goodbye? is a nostalgic, sad song in what seems to be representative of the idea this band has of a ballad…