With all the hype, this was setting itself up to be the disappointment of the year. So, how good is The World That We Drive Through? Does it live up to the expectations? After weeks of shuffling through new releases like an attention-deficit teen in history class, I finally found an album that has kept my attention for several days (and counting). Yes, I'm talking about The Tangent's The World That We Drive Through. While previously sitting towards the back of the room in a state of limbo, I'm now glued to my seat at the head of the class. My ears are tuned in to every lyric in the lesson. The album is everything I hoped it would be. Immediately, I hear jazz and orchestral arrangements along with influences ranging from classical to modern progressive rock. The ELP element is much more obvious here than in the debut. Furthermore, The Flower Kings bring their special style into the mix. Who could ask for anything more? Rather than boring us with the world that we drive through each and every day, this is some alternate reality where dreams actually do come true. While The Music That Died Alone may have been album of the year when it came out, the sequel is equally engrossing. If The Tangent truly died, trust me, the band has resurrected itself big-time on this release.

To pull off such an astounding album requires a plethora of talent. Andy Tillison, Sam Baine, Guy Manning, and Theo Travis are sterling silver. The Flower Kings are the polish that makes it shine ever so brightly. Jonas' bass is bold and beautiful. Roine's vocals are one of a kind and his guitar is simply gorgeous. Zoltan's drums dazzle twice as much as they had on the last. Together, these seven individuals combine to make one big shiny gem. Without fixing what isn't already broken, one tweak works greatly in its favor. While David Jackson's absence could have caused a major catastrophe, Theo picks up the fumbled ball and keeps the momentum going. He scores many times with consistent contributions and puts the game completely out of reach. In a way, Theo's style melds better with the music than David's. Theo shows so much skill and finesse with the flute and sax that it somehow manages to surpass the performance of this legendary predecessor.

Inquiring minds probably want to know whether or not The Tangent has created another album of the year. With material this good, it seems the only way they can lose is by putting out another release in the same year. Playing devil's advocate and splitting hairs a tad bit more, Karmakanic's Wheel of Life is another outstanding release that could ultimately edge it out. In the end, it's a toss up that's too difficult to call. After swift deliberation, the verdict is in. This is an open and shut case from this juror's perspective. The Tangent has created another winner that can contend with any of the all-time greats. I doubt any fan will disagree with this judgment once they have all the evidence before them.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2004 Year Book Volume 1 at https://garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2003-and-2004/.