THE MYTH OF DYING

For a second album the mysterious figure behind The Psychedelic Ensemble enters a deeply spiritual mood, dealing with the various theories regarding the afterlife, based on the different cultures and religions.The main figure around this concept is a young poet, who after his passing is destined to ''live'' many of the writings he had read, while he was still alive.According to the liner notes of the album the story around the concept is true (?).This whole capture by The Psychedelic Ensemble is divided in nine different sections in the independently released CD, entitled ''The myth of dying'', released in 2010.Another no-name guest artist has helped during the recordings on violin and strings.

After a very dissapointing debut, ''The myth of dying'' appears to be a great development, an album which enters the realms of PINK FLOYD-ian Neo Prog with both extended vocal and instrumental sections, characterized by deep melodies, atmospheric passages and naughty keyboard work with symphonic touches.While GENESIS and PINK FLOYD are the easily detected inspirations, some strongly keyboard-oriented pieces are certaily influenced by the likes of ELP, while a couple of shorter tracks around the middle contain surprising GENTLE GIANT and KING CRIMSON influences from the early-70's, with atonal vocal deliveries, complex keyboard themes, slow-paced, psychedelic guitar tones and even some sampled clavinet and Mellotron in the process.The bulk of this effort follows though an atmospheric, slightly symphonic style with electroacoustic textures and soaring synthesizers, surrounded by sensitive vocal parts and a good depth in the lyrical section.The long outro ''Canto IX: The truth of eternity'' seems to be a great farewell tribute by The Psychedelic Ensemble in Classic 70's Prog with both melodic and more Fusion-oriented exercises, based on impressive keyboard ideas, Classical influences, tricky instrumental runs and mellow PINK FLOYD-ian soundscapes with vocals in evidence and everchanging climates.Again the annoying programmed drums and a few pale keyobard segments are negative points, but this time some great music is around to reward the listener.

Propably the best place to start your experience with The Psychedelic Ensemble.Mostly smooth Neo/Symphonic Prog with an interesting concept, occasionally breaking into pretty complex keyboard-based Progressive Rock.Nice and warmly recommended album.