Search - Tristan Park :: Looking Homeward

Tristan Park-Looking Homeward.

Bongo | Manchester, New Hampshire | 12/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The 3rd studio offering from the New Hampshire based proggers is a sight for sore ears in a world of angry rock and bland pop. Brain Coombes is on top of his lyrical game here and the musicians who lend their talents are stellar performers. The opening track, Memorial Day is a harsh reminder of how we take these holidays for granted (a day off from school or work to be specific) without remembering the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and those who continue to fight. If you are an American, you definitely want to give this track a spin. Next is An American Tragedy Part 1 which is the idea of which this cd is based upon. The tragic story of being born into poverty, then growing up and realizing wealth and succumbing to its demons. The song takes many turns as any great story should. Lush and melodic to confusion and heartbreak to realization of self indulgence. At 15 1/2 minutes long, it is what every great musical epic should be. Four Freedoms is the next track. Inspired by the Norman Rockwell painting, it speaks of the very freedoms we experience in our great country. Freedom to love, to feel, to express ourselves in a way that we choose. The song also delves into the fear of having so much freedom. Next up is Ambition, about greed and the dark path it can lead you down. The song is sung in the style of a person who is too ambitious and puts all his needs before anybody else's desires. The tail end of this piece is titled Mistress. It is about how ambition can seem full of empty promises, never delivering the goods it speaks of and how the ambitious being longs for home in their mind. Next up is The Cruelest Month, a song telling of the tragic woes of the Boston Red Sox in October. Any New England sports fan will know what I am talking about. But any sports fan who have seen their team fight and claw their way to post season glory only to fall short of the big prize time and again, can identify with this song. An American Tragedy Part 2 is next, continuing on the path of the wealthy being who now is faced with his shallow present self. A song of sadness, regret and reconciliation, it is, in my opinion, the standout track on the album. The album closes with an ode to friends and memories of home called Looking Homeward. Ray Bowles and Mike McAdam compliment each other's vocals perfectly on this, the only acoustic offering on this Tristan Park CD. Different from the CD as a whole but a perfect ending nonetheless. Notable mention goes to Michelle Coombes, the vocalist on Mistress who now along with Brian, Mike and another TP alumnus Jim Turmel, performs with Waking In The Blue, taking the more melodic pop approach but still with intelligent, mind provoking lyrics. Give the TP CD's a spin and visit www.wakingintheblue.com"