AFTER THE FIRE Der Kommissar: The CBS Recordings
From page 101 of Classic Rock Magazine April 2005
Edsel
Fire extinguishers not necessary.
As prog rockers with synth-pop and
new-wave
inclinations, it’s always been difficult to pigeonhole After The Fire. Der Kommissar... condenses the UK quartet’s Laser Love, 80-F and Batteries Not Included albums onto two CDs, along with a batch of bonus tracks.
It’s a treasure trove for existing fans looking to replace worn-out vinyl from the late 70s and early 80s, but for the rest of us it still sounds stiff, laboured and directionless. The instrumental Joy and Like The Power Of A Jet are rare manifestations of the now reunited group’s early fondness for Yes, Genesis and ELP, but the saccharine blandness of One Rule For You is especially hard to stomach.
■■■■■■ ■■■■ Dave Ling


