Not too long ago, yours truly reviewed the self-titled EP from THE ILLUMINATI: a very impressive six song trip back in time to the glory days of 70s rock. Well, pack up and prepare for an extended trip this time, because the main course "On Borrowed Time" has finally arrived!

The biggest strength of this band is how tight they are as a unit. The vocal harmonies of Nick Sewell and Les Godfrey can convince anyone that these guys were born to play together. And judging from the fun factor of this disc, they have a good time doing it too. The loose southern style is a bit more prevalent here with rockers like "Casual Surveillance", "Going Down" and "On My Way Back Home…Again"-the latter of which was also featured on the self-titled EP. However, there's still plenty of song variety, with galloping tracks like "Rain Delay" being perfectly complemented by more brooding tracks like "The Jericho Mile". If there's any complaint to be made here, it's that these 14 songs are a little too short, only averaging 2 to 3 minutes each. Once a riff starts getting really catchy-BAM!-the song's over. Oh well…further reason for repeat listens, right?

Bottom line: don't be surprised if these guys get huge. The outlook of rock music is a lot more optimistic than it was just a short while ago, with respectable and worthy bands like PRIESTESS getting airplay on major rock radio stations. Quite frankly, this power trio has all the tools they need to gain mass appeal without an inch of compromise, so until then prepare for THE ILLUMINATI to take control, and we'll prepare to restrain ourselves from saying "We told you so."

- Cardona

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/theilluminati

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