SONIC ORIGAMI - URIAH HEEP'S 20TH STUDIO ALBUM : TRACK BY TRACK.

I received "Sonic Origami" last week via good friend - Rodrigo Werneck (see www.uriah-heep.com) .

And let's just say, as much as this album is not what one would expect, it is by no means disappointing! In fact Sonic Origami is simply wonderful, albeit lighter than many Heep albums that have come before,

the songs are beautiful, and the individual performances of the bandmembers exceeds anything they've

done since 1987!

Now the songs.................

Between Two Worlds - a classic Heep rocker in every sense of the phrase! It rocks, plenty of hammond, and harmonies, especially on the "ahs", and Bernie's delivery and Mick's 2 stunning solos make this one an instant favorite! The track was apparently written in memory of Gary Thain & David Byron, and thus makes it all the more moving and special - "To take that walk again, with someone you were close to, on stage in the other world tonight".

I Hear Voices - a cool rock track, with some neat vocal effects on Bernie. Again, it's instantly enjoyable, with Mick doing some brilliant stuff ,and another fine solo. Lee Kerslake's perfromance really gives this song a great sound, and the chorus and harmonies are very catchy and memorable - "I've got to run to be free, break the chains 'round my heart, Take away the pain and joy - release the man from the boy...". This has got to be one of the best things Trevor Bolder has ever written!

Perfect Little Heart - a somewhat AOR sounding pop-rocker, with Mick's guitar sound be pretty different to anything he's previously done. The harmonies and chorus are again very easy to get into, and there's a some nice keyboard and orchestrated keys from Phil Lanzon, along with the ever-present hammond.

Heartless Land - the first of a good few acoustic ballads. This one being the single in Europe right now, and it's easy to hear why - it's just damn brilliant! This song is a real highlight for the vocal greatness of Bernie Shaw. The lyrics, and chorus are all pretty touching, and Phil's hammond on the chrous coupled with the harmonies make this another instant Heep classic ballad.

Only The Young - another pop-rocker from Bolder that starts out simple and uneventful, BUT wait til the chorus builds up and the hammond comes in, and this becomes another fine track. Bernie is again brilliant, and Bolder's lyrics are excellent - years ahead of so much fo the stuff this band came out with in the '80s and early '90s. Fabulous guitar and hammond play to close out the track too! "Only the young stay young I said, Speaks the kid inside my head...".

In The Moment - a somewhat typical Heep pop-rocker, a tad faster paced than Onyl The Young, but a simple catchy track in the same vein. Plenty of nice hammond and keys from Phil highlight this one for me.

Question - another acoustic ballad with brilliant lyrics, orchestrated synths and keys from Phil, and beautiful harmonies that feature heavily and superbly throughout this song. Musically this reminds me old America stuff. "Can I ask the question to you, Do you know who you are, Do you know what we're doing here, Try to see the way from within, 'Cause it isn't outside..."

Change - a smooth track, highlighted by Phil's keyboard work, great hramonies, acoustic guitar, and a very memorable chorus. Reminiscent of old Yes to me. "The incredible gift of life, Where the fire within burns bright, Every moment we live is true, And the spirit is all in you..."

Shelter From The Rain - a rather different ballad, and my favorite on the album! Somewhat soulful, with light bluesy hammond, 2 cool solos from Mick, and Bernie is just crystal clear ! Wow, clearly my favorite Bolder penned track to date!

Everything In Life - a fast paced rocker, with a typical Heep feel. It features great performances all around,

with special credit to Lee Kerlsake's drums! It's another easily likeable track that features a catchy chorus, with memorable lyrics, and another brilliant solo from Mick. "Everything In Life will tell you something, Everything in life can set you free."

Across The Miles - Heep did this for the commercial aspect of it all, since it was once a Survivor song, so I dunno! I understand, but after hearing the whole album, I'd have to say it ain't of the best here, but the band make it sound like their own, and it's a memorable ballad all the same. Great performance from Bernie!

Feels Like - a simple powerful rock track, with an intro slightly borrowed from "Love Stealer" (a hit by UK band Hello, and later recorded by Heep in '80). This one is more back to basics on the production, heavier guitar sound, hammond & keys, Lee & Trev shine on this one too.

The Golden Palace - the last of the original 13 tunes here, and it's an epic! Features some orchestra that was arranged by Phil Lanzon, beautiful intro! This song just soars, with nice harmonies, and an orchestrated solo that's simply superb.

Sweet Pretender - listed as a 'bonus' track, don't know why, 'cause it's such a good rocker that it'd be very fitting anywhere! Great chorus with harmonies, great drums, and a blinder of a solo from Mick before Lee kicks things back into the chorus. Great closing song!!

Overall this is a superb album! But be forwarned - do not get into this expecting an Sea Of Light, although I think the quality is just as great, if not more so - it is a very different sounding album, with a slightly different direction. Overall it is lighter than most anything the band has ever done, with there being 5 exceptional ballads, and few real heavy tracks. BUT don't think this is a simple AOR plot to sell out! Well, wait a minute - actually the band set out with the intent of obtaining some commercial appeal here, but by no means is this 2nd rate '80s AOR puppy fodder! The songs are simply amazing, very well written, great lyrics, and performances that'll put any of today's top selling bands to shame! It's a very diverse collection os songs that should appeal to a very wide audience. Special mention goes to Bernie Shaw, who is simply excellent, having come into his own as one of the premier vocalists in rock today! If Sea Of Light was the album that brought back the old Heep fans , then Sonic Origami should be the one to bring back the masses!

My favorite Sonic Origami songs > Between Two Worlds (one of the band's best!!), I Hear Voices, Hearltess Land, Shelter From The Rain, The Golden Palace, and Sweet Pretender. (that was tough pickins'!)

KJJ