NIGHT DREAMS & WISHES

Vladimir Gorashchenko's project, 'Modern Rock Ensemble' is a wonder. If you want to reach out for Prog music outside the 'norm' then go down this avenue. 'Night Dreams & Wishes' delivers high quality and sophisticated Prog music. Beginning with 'Intro' is exactly that, just like a soundtrack at the start of a movie. 'Overture' is like a shattered mirror as most overture's are. The combination of different pieces placed in a short track, hinting at was is to follow.

To get a good idea at what the themes are on this album, read Vladimir's comments inside the album. The first epic starts running at just over 11 minutes called 'Night Comes. Dreams'. Vladimir explains the different dreams that come in life, the dreams in your sleep, the dreams of your goals in life and your intentions and strength in chasing and succeeding in such goals. The music starts out calm and 'dreamy', the use of flute and saxophones exemplify this feeling of dreams. You have surely heard the term of the 'twin guitar attack' substantiated by bands such as Wishbone Ash, this track has twin sax attack and is heaven. 'Childhood & School Days' is a reflection of Vladimir's youth. This composition highlights probably all our memories and experiences of our school days. The music captures the characteristic of youth, rebellion, delicacy, arrogance and fun.

The stand out track for me is the longest song running at 28:28 minutes named 'Dark Kingdom & The Evil King'. As Vladimir points out in his comments, this is about real events in the world and its history particularly dealing with dictators and despots. It doesn't take much thought of who Vladimir is really talking about. As the title suggests, he places this theme under the banner of the fantasy metaphor of which I think is a fantastic idea as it brings it more in line with the title of the album. With all the many different instruments and musicians used here, the second piece of this song has a strong moment of pure rock music containing creative bass playing overlapped with gorgeous guitar playing and riffing. Guitar played by the miraculous Max Velychko who deserves greater recognition than he gets. (Listen to his amazing playing on an album called 'Wizard's Eyes' by 'Inside The Sound'). Smaller tracks also intercede through the album such as 'Barocco Scherzo' and 'Insomnia'. Bringing nice quiet moments.

The different array of musicians on this album is a strength of it. The production is highest of quality making each instrument clearly recognisable and clearly heard. With the help of Sean Timms mixing the album of 'Utopia' and 'Southern Empire' fame, this album one could consider a lost treasure and should be found and displayed for the whole world to hear.