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
, 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