Their second and final album strongly echoes late-period
Beatles, particularly
Paul McCartney; in fact, it often seems pitched about midway between the 1969 and 1970
Beatles and the beginning of
McCartney's solo career. Although it's hard to shake the nagging feeling while listening to this that it's somehow been created by a cover band who got access to discarded early-'70s
McCartney demos, it's a convincing and enjoyable emulation of
Lennon &
McCartney's pop/rock craftsmanship, if more lightweight, less cogent and personal, and lacking in truly world-class tunes. It's on a much higher plateau than
Klaatu, for instance. And
the Beatles aren't the sole point of reference; guitar riffs on
"Follow Me If You Can," for instance, have been altered just enough from
Yes'
"Roundabout" to avoid plagiarism, while the full guitars and harmonies on many cuts will appeal to many a
Badfinger fan. The CD reissue has five bonus cuts, some quite worthwhile. On
"Rock of Ages," they offer a surprisingly convincing raunchy rocker, in contrast to their usual midtempo blends of voice, guitar, piano, and some orchestration;
Carlos Guerrero's
"Together Forever" and
"It's Us Who Say Goodbye" are in the mold of folky
White Album ballads like
"I Will" and
"Julia"; and there's a faithful version of
McCartney's
"Band on the Run," not exactly a common cover choice for bands of the time. ~ Richie Unterberger
