SIMPLE MINDS: Walk Between Worlds (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

"Big Music", Simple Minds' previous studio album from 2014, had strongly divided their fans. While some had appreciated the quality of the compositions and the production, others had not at all enjoyed the development and the electronic approach. Still produced by the same team, and after an acoustic interlude, the Scots offer a "Walk Between Worlds" whose objective is to reconcile all fans of the band. Charlie Burchill even talks about two distinct sides: one focused on new wave and one with cinematic orchestrations.

If the purists will always be able to find elements to argue that the guitarist's declaration is not completely accurate, the fact is that he is far from having lied. Indeed, the beginning of the album sees the guitar gain strength and the production, if it remains refined, yet reveals itself more organic than on "Big Music". The choruses are very catchy and the energy is communicative for a result that is both catchy and bewitching. Between rock and new wave, the single 'Magic' and 'Utopia' take everything on their way, while 'Summer' is a bit darker, launched by a massive bass but still catchy and energetic.

The transition between the two parts announced by Burchill is represented by a more electro 'The Signal And The Noise', with an almost industrial power and a palpable tension worthy of a Far-West duel, and by 'In Dreams' alternating direct verses and airy chorus. On this last one, the keyboards are more present and the cinematic atmosphere starts to appear. It is going tocome to full fruition on the last three tracks of the classic version of the album. Barrowland Star' directly wraps the listener in an atmosphere at the same time bombastic and melancholic. Jim Kerr sometimes takes on intonations worthy of David Bowie and beautiful string lines reinforce the scope of this track that a superb guitar solo illuminates throughout its finale, all paying tribute to a Glasgow venue in which Simple Minds has often performed (the Barrowland Room, which will see the Scots begin their next tour). The eponymous track goes on this way with a direct and catchy chorus and a nice balance between guitar and keyboards, before 'Sense Of Discovery' concludes the flight towards high spheres by being aerial and hypnotising with some vocal lines reminding of the inevitable 'Alive And Kicking'.

While putting the emphasis on certain elements plunging the melancholic listener back into his heyday, Simple Minds continues its evolution towards more modern sounds. The Scottish find here a perfect balance between some cinematic experimentations and a rock/new wave energy worthy of the 80s. If it won't keep quiet the fundamentalists of the it was better before, "Walk Between Worlds" perfectly justifies its title and does it with finesse and talent.

NB : A deluxe edition is available with three additional tracks. - Official website

SIMPLE MINDS

WALK BETWEEN WORLDS

EPHELIDE

ROCK