It's been along six years since The Wild Swans released their debut single, 'Young Manhood' (it was actually 'Revolutionary Spirit'). That same song now opens their first album, but it is not the heavily quilted, weatherproof article you might expect. Indeed, adolescence is a word that doesn't really apply here. The whole album has a very smooth, growing maturity about it. Guitars are played down in favour of a string section that plucks out bright patterns from 'Bitterness' a song which is actually in favour of optimism. However, the same arrangement can also work against them; the marshmallow softness of 'Archangels' detracts from any lyrical message, and there are several more offenders in the same vein. Bringing Home The Ashes walks the line betwwen youthful freshness and record company adulthood with some trepidation. There are some moments of elegance and precision, but it seems to me that, in trying to mould a chart band, Sire have stifled many of their protegees sparks. Side two is particularly guilty of over produced banality, while flimsy, approach for cd perfection. 'Mythical Beast' salvages something from the mixing desk by having more of a mind of its own. but a greater things could have come of this. For now, The Wild Swans have yet to grow their full plumage.