The Yum Yum Tree

have had more than their share of lineup changes over the years, but one thing that hasn't changed about the British instrumentalists is the fact that they remain difficult to pigeonhole. Some consider them progressive rock, some consider call them psychedelic rock, some consider them space rock, some consider them a jam band, and some have even described their 2000s recordings as "electronica with fewer electronics." Recorded between 2006 and 2008, is probably best categorized as "psychedelic progressive rock and space rock with a major electronica influence." isn't electronica in the strict sense; the programming that leader (the only one remaining from ' original 1983 lineup) provides is heard alongside real guitar, real bass, and real drums played in real time. is more played than programmed, although a variety of electronica influences (ranging from trance to ambient) assert themselves -- and there are other influences as well, including jazz and Middle Eastern music. Clearly, having a sense of adventure remains important to , whose 2006-2008 lineup consists of on guitar and programming, on keyboards, on bass, and on drums. There has been a lot of debate among fans over the merits of their increased use of electronics; some longtime followers believe that has become too reliant on programming. But as strong as the electronica influence is on this 53-minute CD, still have plenty of rock muscle and sound like a band rather than a studio-only project. isn't among their essential releases, but it is an interesting, enjoyable listen and demonstrates that is still open to taking chances after all these years. ~ Alex Henderson