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May Queen Heather Dale Amphisbaena Music (AM9610) The classic themes of the Arthurian epics are given a modern twist in May Queen, Heather Dale's latest foray into the realm of medieval-themed music. Although its themes and lyrics are occasionally powerful and touching, much of May Queen's music is unfortunately repetitive and banal. Considering the emotional depth of the sagas from which she has drawn inspiration, one would expect similar depth in the music that accompanies it. Alas, the arrangements are generic and the vocals are no better. One might expect a song such as "Prodigal Son"-its lyrics filled with venom for the betrayal that Morgana feels regarding her uneasy relationship with Arthur-to evoke feelings of bitterness, but its oddly bland music drastically undermines its tone. Likewise, "Tristan and Isolt" is a ten-minute exercise in patience without reward, as one listens to the tragic tale of the lovers and hopes in vain for some note that might stimulate some empathy for them. Although Dale's lyrics seek to evoke a response akin to the medieval troubadours who once sang of Arthur and his knights, the music that accompanies it erodes any impact it might have had. Lacking in both style and substance, the CD is a waste of time, money, and above all, the poetic talent that could easily have risen far above this wasteland of sound. --Richard Mackenzie

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