MIDAS II

Midas were seemingly falling in hiatus after the release of ''Beyond the clear air'', as Eigo Utoh was too busy with his normal job as a dentist to handle both a demanding occupation and the needs of a regular group.Three years would pass before his passion for music would come again on surface, reforming Midas with Eishyo Lynn again on keyboards and newcomers Kenjiro Kawakatsu (drums) and Shohei Matsuura (bass) (formerly of Mugen) joining in.Changing label, the group would now land on the endless list of Belle Antique bands and this way the new album ''Midas II'' sees the light in 1996.

The new album does not offer any significant changes in the style of Midas, which play an intricate mix of Symphonic Rock with touches from a U.K.-influenced Fusion, close to the sound of compatriots OUTER LIMITS.The violin work of Utoh with his instant Classical melodies is again on evidence with the most significant change coming in the keyboards section, where Lynn's performance is now a bit sharper and less grandiose.Vocals are still in Japanese and they are least bearable, the music on the other hand ranges from good to great, always delivered through fascinating arrangements, complex breaks and solos and pure, symphonic melodies.Both the synthesizers and the rhythm section sound a bit thin at moments, but generally the song structures follow Midas' familiar style, shifting from bombastic instrumentals to more elaborate and smooth plays.You often get the feeling the keyboards edges come from a Neo Prog album, the next time though Lynn's offerings get back to a very Classical-inspired mood along the principles of THE ENID.The romantic ''La festa'' with the alternating violin/synthesizers themes is propably on of the best example for the fascinating sound of Midas.

The first two albums of Midas could have been easily released in reverse order, as this one has a more 80's-like vibe overall.But the music is great, polished and well-executed and the group avoids any of the cheesiness met in the mass of Japanese bands.Great album, strongly recommended...3.5 stars.