Edenbridge - The Grand Design (2006)

Edenbridge's fifth studio album again benefits from Lanvall's songwriting, instrumental and production skills, as well as Sabine's voice (oh, the other two are fine as well).  It's a bit more instantly accessable this time around, with more in the way of snappy choruses, although not to any great degree.
The two longest tracks, "Terra Nova" and "The Grand Design", show a more progressive side (and, on the latter, moments of folk), and they're both rewarding, but the record really shines with such songs as "Evermore" and the sunny "On Top Of The World".  Only the ballad "The Most Beautiful Place" is a bit ordinary. The lovely blue in the artwork is eye catching as well. I just like that shade of blue.
The Grand Design is another worthwhile release from a band who just knows how to keep producing the goods, and manage to balance the fine line between staying true to their roots, while not repeating themselves too much.

****