MIND OVER MATTER

This fifth studio album from GALLEON is a return to form after the disappointing "The All European Hero". Very cool cover art as well. The band thanks NO NAME in the liner notes. I complained about the lack of guitar in their last album, but thankfully it's back, but the biggest surprise was how deep and prominant the bass is.

"Art Gallery" has a spacey and experimental intro before the familiar GALLEON sound I know and love arrives after a minute. Vocals and prominant bass after 1 1/2 minutes. I really like the synths that come and go throughout. A powerful sound with drums fades into a tranquil soundscape after 4 1/2 minutes.The contrast continues. A calm with spoken vocals 8 minutes in. It kicks back in with a great sound 9 minutes in. More excellent bass 11 minutes in as the guitar starts to soar. Mellotron to end it. "Operating Manual" opens with mellotron and drums before a kind of silly melody with vocals takes over. The contrast continues. A change 3 minutes in as we get a nice soaring melody. A calm with keys and reserved vocals follows. Mellotron after 5 minutes. After 6 1/2 minutes we get to the heaviest section of the song. Huge bass ! The guitar mimics the synths 8 minutes in as it continues to be heavy. The tempo picks up as it lightens but the bass is still deep. Mellotron ends it.

"Starborn" actually has some bagpipes in it early. Synths, drums and bass build as vocals arrive after a minute. Synth and percussion support the reserved vocals. My least favourite track on here, but's it ok. "House Of Plenty" is pure bliss for me. Such an uplifting and soaring melody to open. The vocals come in and sound almost like they're far away. A change 3 1/2 minutes in as vocals,acoustic guitar and mellotron lead the way. The sound becomes fuller with some chunky bass .Nice. Synths become prominant 5 minutes in. It's heavier before 8 minutes. Hey the soaring melody is back ! This is so uplifting. Vocals return 9 minutes in. "The Wanderer" is the 21 minute closer. It opens with acoustic guitar and vocals sung with meaning. Synths after 3 minutes as vocals stop. Heaviness 4 1/2 minutes in but it lightens when vocals return. I love the lyrics that talk about using your imagination. A bass line with mellotron after 8 minutes. The sound builds and pulses. GENESIS-like soundscape before the reserved vocals return. Uptempo with vocals 11 minutes in. Synths are prominant 13 minutes in. Deep bass 14 1/2 minutes in. Piano 18 minutes in as an uplifting section follows with vocals. Deep bass then mellotron 20 minutes in. Again the lyrics for me are meaningful and even emtional late in the song.

This album is simply a joy, and one that deserves 4 stars in my opinion.