A difference from their last effort yet undeniably
a-ha. This time, the Norse purveyors of quality pop have opted for a variety of producers, ranging from
Stephen Hague to
Clive Langer and
Alan Winstanley. The album begins with a lush ballad -- which is typical
a-ha, pastoral with support orchestration -- almost like a modern day
Moody Blues. "You Wanted More" also follows this trait, only darker with spiky electronics. "Afternoon High" sketches out '70s pastel glory similar to what
Tears for Fears were getting at with parts of the
Seeds of Love album. There are shades of
Minor Earth Major Sky in that they keep the sugary neigh pleasant ballads vein to full emotional effect on "Turn the Lights Down," "Time and Again," and like MEMS's
Garbage homage "Sun Never Shone." "Cannot Hide" opts for a
Jennifer Paige "Crush" vibe with George Harrison-style guitar, while "Forever Not Yours"' pleasant dramatism echoes
Darren Hayes' recent Insatiable. ~ Kelvin Hayes