Customer Reviews

Princess Alice & The Broken Arrow

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Not quite a vigilante or storyteller's night,but not very far away and definetly improving on the first two album's after the band got back together.Don't think that the last three album's from MAGNUM aren't as good as the other's because anything MAGNUM produce is alway's going to be great,so to all MAGNUM fan's out there if you want a GREAT new album by a classic hard rock band don't hold back and purchase this one NOW!!!

ROCK ON.

2007's Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow is the 13th studio album from long-running English melodic progressive/pomp rock band Magnum. This was the band's third album since reforming a few years earlier, and it continues along the same lines as their previous two releases.

Despite the instantly recognizable Rodney Matthews cover artwork and fantasy-sounding title, Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow doesn't quite conjure up the old Chase the Dragon sound. The album, once again penned entirely by guitarist Tony Clarkin, does have some of the old majestic pomp rock leanings, but it's balanced by the more mature melodic rock sound that seems to come naturally to Magnum lately. And of course Bob Catley, who has one of the most unique voices in rock - sounds terrific. As for highlights, there probably aren't any songs here that would make a "greatest hits" collection, but the whole album is quite good. "Eyes Wide Open," "Like Brothers We Stand" and "Dragons Are Real" are probably the best of the bunch.

All in all, it's a good mix of old and new, and another rock-solid release from this consistent (and consistently underrated) band. It doesn't quite capture the same magic and grandeur as those early Magnum albums, but Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow will no doubt satisfy most of the band's fans, especially those who have kept up with Magnum since their return.

Magnum is an english band that has surpassed the bounds of time, coming from 70's with rock music (very progressive oriented, in some moments), good taste and well instrumented. Almost all the songs of this group are authored exclusively by Tony Clarkin, its lead guitar and leader.

In 2007 they introduced their new production called Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow, that offers and interesting concept, very different to previous productions. Is a hard rock based record --melancholic in some moments, but hard and punchy in others--. There are two versions of this record: one just with the sound CD, and the other includes, as a special edition, a DVD in PAL format. The group, in this record, is formed by Tony Clarkin (guitars), Bob Catley (vocals), Mark Stanway (keyboards), Al Barrow (bass) and Jimmy Copley (drums).

The only thing that concerns me is the sound quality, that doesn't fulfill the nowadays standards. It sounds with so much mids and not as punchy and clear as the previous records (Brand New Morning and Breath of life). Maybe they could do a better effort to achieve a better sound in the record. That's the only thing because I qualify this with 4 stars. Nevertheless, this is a CD you have to own, where you will enjoy an excellent rock band.

Wonderful! It's nice to hear some good rock for a change. Not too heavy, not too light. I've already recommended it to some friends. Good full sound. Sounds like "Yes" may be one of their influences.