ONLY their seventh studio album in 17 years, the Norwegian trio continue in the mature pop mode of their 2000 release, Minor Earth Major Sky, only with considerably less success.
Lifelines, the opening track, is sprightly enough, lifted heavenward by Morten Harket's clear voice and the solid backing of Paul Waaktaar-Savoy and Magnus Furuholmen.
From here, it settles quickly into a mid-tempo groove from which it rarely escapes. Uninspired song writing (shared by all three principles) and predictable arrangements dog many of the 15 tracks; a bland wash with barely any discernible musical landmarks.
Missing is the fathomless melancholy that made 1993's Memorial Beach an unexpected treat, or the hooks that made the trio pop immortals.
Afternoon High briefly signals resurgence, but Solace ends proceedings with a limp rather than a gambol. Overall, Lifelines is a risk-free zone as comfortable as old slippers, but will doubtless signal a comfortable dotage.
Updated: 15:01 Thursday, May 30, 2002
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