DELUSION RAIN

Canadian prog band Mystery continues on its merry way, regularly releasing spirited albums that hover the zone between neo-prog and symphonic. Their last three albums were extremely well-received and critically applauded. Beneath the Veil of Winter's Face (2007), One Among the Living (2010) and The World is a Game (2012) were all truly intense albums, showcasing a series of talents that define their music. Tremendous melodies, sweeping atmospherics, superb instrumental prowess and the special voice of Benoit David (who went on to a brief career with Yes). On this ultra-smooth release, the lead vocalist slot is now taken over by Jean Pageau, who does not disappoint at all, fitting in very nicely. Michel St-Pere, lead guitarist and leader is a seasoned pro who does not seek to reinvent the wheel, or even progressive rock, for that matter. His forte is to keep focused on pieces of music that are emotionally powerful and expressive, loaded up with dynamic rhythms that are never overtly mellow or sugary, succinct soloing and laying homage to the ebb and flow of the highly melodic arrangements. Oh, and before I forget, great singing! Adventurous? Maybe not. Pioneering? No. Entertaining? Absolutely! Bombastic? Oh Yeah!

The title track wastes no time in getting Pageau settled with the mike stand, as he belts it out with the best of them, not really that distant from David. No shock the monkey here, as the melody is massive and immediately expressive, as if one had heard this many times before, boldly soaring above the slippery guitars, the walloping symphonic keys and the steady rhythmic duo. A tremendous 10 minute opener indeed. Felling slightly romantic? How about a sublimely simple love ballad, acoustic guitars weaving the sad story and a voice that urges the pain forward. "If You See Her" is a conveniently personal tune, fresh and puerile, yet engrossed within a special gloss, blending in crystalline guitar and solid propulsion. Once again, that typical Mystery impression of 'vaguely familiar' strikes the listener, proving that this band knows how to impact the jaded listener by seeking out their attention, not by some exultant soloing display but by recalling the simply accessible beauty that surrounds us , in all sensorial forms. If you are looking for angular, obscure and intrepid forms of progressive rock creativity that boldly goes beyond the norm, you are definitely in the wrong galaxy.

"The Willow Tree" is also in the 6 minute range, a hustling track that combines pastoral chiming and raunchier riffs, with Pageau modulating his voice to better match the storyline, as the shimmering electric guitar carves forward unafraid. Punchy drums, booming bass and screeching keyboards all contribute to keep things panting and thrilling. Here Pageau's voice reminds me of Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon, though in a heavier, more bombastic setting.

The big boy here is the gargantuan 19 minute epic "The Last Glass of Wine" , which shows the Quebec band taking their sweet time in developing a mood and a structure that will sweep the listener into a trippy affair in which to lose oneself, chock full of delicacy, strength, power and detail, never boring and always with purpose. Mystery can do languid too, with stunning choir work and truly, some of the best vocal work anywhere. Special mention must go to both Francois Fournier on bass and Jean-Sebastien Goyette on the drum kit, who really beef up the rhythmic pulse, while keyboardist Benoit Dupuis challenges the dual guitars of Sylvain Moineau and leader St-Pere who do some serious Wishbone Ash style duelling guitar stuff that will dazzle and subdue the audience into submission. This is where the band gets to let their hair down and liberate some expressive soloing into the mix, a trait that is both admirable and pleasing. Great piece of work!

Prog is not just for history and literature buffs but can also relate to current affairs (and should more often), so they decide to tackle "Wall Street King" and the subject of corporate greed and uncontrolled wealth. Brash and grandiloquent, the bluesy guitar coils like a snake, ready to strike like some feverish cobra, the elevated chorus is highly expressive and the mood rumbles along unchecked with a booming bass shoving the money bag along, 'before the fall'.

"A Song for You" kicks off with some labyrinthine stops and turns, getting very technical and almost hyperventilating before a huge synth melody overtakes the deal, sounding like old-school Yes and a pastoral segue with gentle flute then enters the room. Pageau turns on the emotional jets with an aching ballad that keeps building up to some imaginary crescendo where "you let the heart rule the mind". The second half has a burping bass, clanging guitar swipes, churning organ and tectonic drum fills to hurl the song forward, at breakneck speed and intent. "Let the music float through your mind". Indeed! A scorching St-Pere sizzle settles this one down for the night.

Consistently appealing prog music that while not ground breaking, still remains totally cool and hyper-professional with exceptional playing and sensational singing. Ideal introductory band to the unaware music fan wanting to learn more about prog. No mystery with Mystery but I like it.

4 Illusionary deluges