LYCIA TRIPPING BACK INTO THE BROKEN DAYS ALBUM PROJEKT RELEASE: JULY 9, 2002 REVIEW: JULY 19, 2002

Effectively ending their self-imposed retirement of two and one half years ago, we find Lycia once more alive and well for a time. With their new work "Tripping Back into the Broken Days", we certainly find Lycia mainstay Mike Vanportfleet in a much more introspective and intense mood. This has to be the most focused and clearly defined album by Lycia since 1991's masterpiece "Ionia".
The songs on this album are composed of acoustic guitar, keyboards, odd sound effects here and there and some pristinely recorded vocals. Vanportfleet has never sounded so wraith-like as he does here. The lyrics are glimpses of their move from Ohio back to the Arizona desert which gave birth to Lycia back in 1988. With titles such as "Grey December Desert Day", "Broken Days" and "Vacant Winter Day" you get a feeling of wistful abandonment to one's fate. Indeed, an almost giddy premonition of disappointment and discontent abounds in bloom on this album.
There are some happier spots provided by Lycia's other half Tara Vanportfleet. Most notably, "Cat & Dog" which ends with the refrain "and we are fine, and we are fine". This dispels the somewhat melancholy feel that dominates "Tripping Back...". The progression of Tara's voice over the years (she joined in 1995) has been nothing short of a revelation. She really sounds amazing on this release, fully-formed and purposeful in her delivery and subject matter. It makes one forgive her for the forgettable solo album she put out a couple of years back. Clearly, she has evolved beautifully as a vocalist and along with Mike's wonderfully raspy vocalizing and crystalline guitar work, I can only sing the highest praises for their triumphant return to the world.
Welcome back, Lycia!

PETER MARKS