The Following

The absence of a drummer deprives "The Following Morning" of some of the drive and rhythmic shadings of other Weber releases. In some ways this is a more contemplative work, lingering longer upon the tones of the individual instruments. The title track opens with backwards piano and slides into a pensive rumination between the piano and Weber's bass. There is only the tentative presence of orchestral instruments, and the album is quite subtle and slow to unfold. You might not pick up this album as often as some other Weber releases, but it can reward close listening.

Following the example of some of their fellow-countrymen of the late Seventies (Nightwinds, Infinity…), Netherworld could create a kind of music with a high quality, inspired by the best bands in this style (Genesis and ELP for example), with a particular virtuosity and energy. A little like Twelfth Night, this band combines vocal theatrical intonation, guitar arpeggios, energetic and emphatic keyboards, with multiple breaks and high-velocity solos. All of this is included in a very well composed and structured music.