THE ROCK ARTIST'S PROGRESS (AS MAGENTA AURA)

Well, let's see: darkly mysterious ancient-like chants melding with some good guitar licks give way to a mid-tempo classic prog-rock number, that's the opener for this new solo venture of Darryl Way, the legendary violin player with the original Curved Air. And there is a good measure of that instrument in this album, but in the context of an overall equilibrated rock band sound.

Magenta Aura is the name of the fictional rock band from the late Sixties created for the novel acompanying this musical album, founded by a musician with a background and musical studies very similar to Way himself. A sort of Spinal Tap insufflated with higher ideals, working as an alter ego for the young pride and aspirations of the Rock Artist, but with much sweeter sound quality.

So, there you have, a fake '68 band sounding like mid-Seventies, but within today's recording standards. The songs are great, with very good melodies, a series of welcomed instrumental passages adding to the classical taste of the mix (listen to track 7 Time Machine), and a set of solid vocals, maybe turning a little bit generic on occassions (mainly in the harmony parts), but bettered by the sweet relief of the guest singer (no other than Mr. Steve Hoggarth) in the track 5, Morpheus.

It's in the last couple of tracks where we get the more definitely late-Sixties sounding vibe, and, even when that is obviously a matter of personal taste, I have to say that there is no problem for me with that retro finale.

No collection with a place for Darryl's own output should miss this one.