AN ILLUSTRATED MAP OF THE HEART

Is there a way to overcome the Mountains Of Resentment? For some reason one may say that MIND FURNITURE are a side project of the band Metaphor. Yep, actually you will find three members from this band in place here, speaking of Jim Anderson (bass, guitar), Greg Miller (drums), and John Mabry (vocals). But it would not make much sense to copycat the same musical intention once again under another moniker. And so keyboarder Brett Barnett is aboard too, who makes a difference of course. And then they have invited not less than seven additional guitarists for the recordings. Hence the songs selected for this collection are sounding in another way indeed, yep, because they are tending towards a more popular rock attitude in general.

Their third effort is a concept album respectively rock opera, dealing with the complete arc of a love affair. Eh, warning, this is not for the squeamish ... okay, the beautiful detailed cover picture developed by Carol Bierach complements in any case. Music-wise here we have a pleasant listening source for melodic prog music lovers, dedicated to those who don't want to have it too complex. Underneath The World comes with the first memorable refrain. Except For Last Tuesday showcases opulent string arrangements contributed by Barnett. The shuffle I Hate The Way You Make Me Feel is worked out with support by the complete Barrelhouse Jazz Band, plus female vocals by Anne Feinsod.

Broken heart, or broken nose? '... I Heard The Bones Snap ...' the straightforward rocking I Broke It featuring another catchy refrain, and an emotional psychedelic/ambient middle part. 'It's lonely here in the future, I got a million friends online, but no one knows I'm crying, unless I post it ...' The superbly melodic and multi-faceted Here In The Future picks up some common contemporary insufficiency, My conclusion is that 'An Illustrated Map Of The Heart' is made of very solid art rock songs, provided with constant quality concerning technical and compositional skills. And this over the course of more than 70 minutes ... wait, even permanently increasing with every further track. You definitely can sense the enthusiasm to work out engaging music, this alongside with a well thought out concept. Thank you for that!