ACTORS IN A PLAY

In 2004 Mindgames were busy playing their material live.The first Flemish Progrock festival was among their major events, organized by the Prog-Nose e-zine, followed by memorable performances at the Prog-resiste Convention and ProgFarm.The next year the group focused on composing the material of their upcoming album, that was eventually recorded at the Ace Studio of Frank Van Bogaert in Antwerp, who also produced this work, released in 2006 independently by Mindgames.

To play a major role in a play like Progressive Rock, you have to a consistent actor.And Mindgames played their roles with passion and inspiration, even with a literally theatrical taste one could say, as their new album is strongly influenced by MARILLION and quite similar to acts such as KNIGHT AREA and GALLEON with a bit of SPOCK'S BEARD thrown in for good measure.Six long tracks with great lyrical moves, angular synthesizer washes and beautiful symphonic references offer the listener majestic moments, full of incredible atmospheres and sensitive melodies.Numerous shifting moods and changing climates are put together next to soaring guitars, discreet organs and Classical touches to result tight and rich compositions, often with a theatrical grandieur.Pompous instrumental passages and striking groovy runs are well-executed and linked with comfort.The singer, Mr. Bart Schram, has an evident FISH-like type of singing and his voice is quite nice.KAYAK and GENESIS remain a deep inspiration for the group, especially on the dreamy lines coming from the Moog synths.Excellent keyboard work as a whole and some tremendous guitar parts deliver very dense and conveincing musicianship.

A highlight of year 2006.A step forward compared to the very good ''International Daylight'', showing a very mature group, that knows how to compose bombastic, intelligent and intricate Prog songs.Highly recommended.