Jadis - Understand CD (album) cover





3.23 | 49 ratings

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Prog Reviewer
3 stars Jadis are close to the paradigm of neo-prog with bands like IQ, Pendragon, Pallas or Arena but leaning more to the melodic pop-rock side and less to real prog, to the point that some people might consider them closer to crossover rather than to neo-prog. Catchy melodies and the beautiful guitar solos and pleasant voice of Gary Chandler are their strong points.

However after their wonderful 'More than meets the eye' and the slightly lower but still good 'Across the water' (have not heard 'Somersault') 'Understand' is a disappointment.

While the melodies, the solos and other phrases in their first 2 albums were really inspired, the music here is dull. Musically it follows the same style and formula, and the sound is very good, it's simply that the musical phrases are not so inspired. Even if Chandler's solos have always been really good, these guys have never exhibited much virtuosism, and in this record both the music and the interpretation are even more simple. On top it has very few dynamics, all the songs sound pretty much the same, there are no differences in moods, tempos nor styles. It is so linear that it's even difficult to comment on single tracks, there is none so bad that would make you switch off but neither any good enough that makes you smile in admiration.

If forced I would pick like most other eviewers the opener 'Where in the world', 'Between here and there', 'Understand' and 'Counting all the seconds'.

If you don't know Jadis don't start by this album, get first MTMTE and if you like it follow with ATW. I can't speak for the other albums but you can surely live without 'Understand' unless you are a real fan of the band.

All in all 2,5 stars.

Gerinski | 3/5 |




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