Search - Arena :: Cry

Atmospheric

Keith A. Morse | Aurora, CO USA | 07/13/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Fans of Arena -- especially its most recent work, "Contagion" -- might not recognize the musical style of this EP, which is compiled from selections from its first two albums. The first nine selections draw on a theme from "The Cry" series of pieces on those albums. The final selection, "The Healer," is a departure in style and more reflective of Arena's harder-edged sound.
Acoustic guitar and moody keyboard sounds dominate the EP and the music often has a cinmatic feel to it. Some of this stuff could pass for Enya, which might not appeal to all prog fans. "Crying for Help" features a nice electric guitar solo at the song's climax, but the overall mood is quiet, introspective and a bit sad."