I’ve got to admit that I just didn’t get “A Century of Lullabies”, the fourth album from Neil Thomas. Recorded over a period of no less than 12 years, consistency might well have proved a problem for this album but, fortunately, that potential sticking point seems to have been overcome. That said, it does seem that a good few of the songs here have suffered from revisitation over that extended development period with some distinctly awkward samples and looping grafted on(“Sister” would make you cringe, for example).
On his groove – such as “Stray or Follow” or even the title track – Neil Thomas is perfectly capable of delivering the early seventies style British rock music with his voice rising to the dramatic challenge but the overall feeling that you are left with is of an artist confused about what direction he is going in.
“A Century of Lullabies” might just rock your boat if you are into soft rock. Otherwise you will probably find it a bit dated. A big thumbs up, however, to whoever designed the CD sleeve and insert that features both quality photography and elegant design.