Tr3nity have returned to the studio to record their second album which features their distinctive habit of making all their songs mini epics. The shortest track at just on 10 minutes and the longest at just on twice that length, suggests that the band don't want to waste time filling up their platters with short or insignificant material. Whether this is a good thing or not is open to conjecture but the only downside I see to adopting this approach is that if the band has included any song or songs that don't gel that well with the listener, then you could say that at least 20% or even 40% of your appreciation has been lost.
I must admit it took me a lot longer to finally have this album work its magic with me as I found their debut, "The Cold Light Of Darkness" a little more accessible but only by a whisker as the songs on "Precious Seconds" have generated a far greater replayability factor with me since then.
"Livin' A Lie" is a great opening piece and its epic sounding guitars weaving through melodies and rhythms will remind you these guys have spent some considerable time by doing their homework properly. The second track is actually misnumbered on the rear cover and is juxtaposed with the third track. This track entitled "Run Before You Walk" includes some tentative piano at the beginning but quickly segues into a more substantial section with some well developed guitar solos and accompanying drumming from Rolf Smith who displays equal proportions of talent and restraint. Similarly, the variety of sounds created by Paul Gath on keyboards was slightly reminiscent of Cressida towards the closing minute of the track. The 3rd track, but listed as the second finds our vocalist, Chris Campbell not quite reaching the notes in a small section and with some clumsy drum fills midway through the song, renders this as the weakest song on offer.
"More Than I Deserve" thankfully pulls things back on track and is a very pleasant semi ballad that develops a very simple but compelling piano run that builds upon its foundation but ambles along for just a little bit too long before the guitars chime in to take the song to its logical closure.
"The Last Great Climb" at 20.12 minutes contains much more variety and depth of songmanship with the lyrics playing a particularly important and religious role. Chris Campbell is credited with providing both lead and backing vocals and it is on the final track that this feature is well presented, providing an alternative perspective on the lyric's subject matter. Long sections of swirling keyboards interspersed with Styx like singing make for a fairly good epic and one that will be vaguely reminiscent of the sorts of synth work that Pete Bardens from Camel would create.
All things considered, this is not a bad album at all and would have garnered an additional half star from me were it not for the inclusion of just one inferior track. To deliver over 67 minutes of music spread over just 5 songs is probably a tall ask as ones concentration might be called into question. For their next effort I think they would be better served by composing a larger number of songs and limiting the number of long epics to less than 3. A well done follow up guys but keep an eye on the time.
Track Details:
1. Livin' A Lie (13.52) - {1}
2. Run Before You Walk (10.00) - {3}
3. From Afar (11.30) - {2}
4. More Than I Deserve (11.58) - {4}
5. The Last Great Climb (20.12) - {5}
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