Village Lanterne - Blackmore's Night

Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night have settled into a familiar style with Blackmore's Night, but it could be worse. Their Renaissance-inspired folk is admittedly less than inspired, which writes off about half of the album to sheer mediocrity, but 'The Village Lanterne' fortunately follows suit in upping the ante of less ancient, seventies-style folk rock that makes the rest of the album bearable and even greatly entertaining on occasion. Opener '25 Years' tries to cram in as much as it can, even juxtaposing violin and synthesised fanfare in a way that doesn't really work but is fun nonetheless, and Blackmore's electric lead guitar melodies and solos carry ...  Read the complete review