Hmmm....how to describe this album:
so Duran-like; yet so unlike Duran Duran. I have to admit that much of
the power behind these songs is driven by Nick's keyboards. And as usual
Simon's indecipherable lyrics are a superb plus.
I wonder if they were dabbling
with world music when they were writing and recording "El Diablo," because
I detect a little Middle Eastern influence, French (via the violins at
the beginning), and Spanish influence (because of the guitar in the interlude).
The flute lines are reminiscent of medieval music and the flute line of
"The Chauffeur."
To me it also sees that Arcadia
hints at what is to come for Duran Duran. Parts of it sound like a precursor
to "Notorious." Especially "Goodbye Is Forever," which is a perfect cross
between "Seven and the Ragged Tiger" (all the synth blasts) and "Notorious"
(the trademark funky rhythm guitar of that album). "Missing sounds like
it could belong on "Big Thing." Proof that Duran Duran was ahead of its
time, as usual.
A teensy bit heavy on the synth
in parts, but I give "So Red The Rose" a perfect 10.
