New Clear Child

What proved to be the final A R Kane release also, unfortunately, turned out the least fascinating of their three studio albums. Whether it was the lengthy time away from the studio, its split recording sessions at London and San Francisco or simply a lack of spark on the part of the band, New Clear Child simply doesn't cut the mustard compared to the stellar heights of the band's past work. Certainly, fine moments exist nonetheless - the opening "Deep Blue Breath," accompanied by a children's choir and driven by a solid funk underpinning as well as string shadings, promises much, and Rudi's voice remains beguiling and seductive throughout as ever. Still, New Clear Child even at its most inspired, such as the closing, oddly-structured "Sea Like A Child" and the semi-acoustic meander of "Surf Motel," doesn't have that sense of awe and shrouded, powerful mystery which characterized sixty-nine or the full, sweeping command of genres of 'i', sounding too crisp, too clean, and frankly just a little too commercially anonymous smooth jazz at too many points. While still astounding compared to thousands of less-inspired albums, New Clear Child leaves you wishing.