HOME + NEW YORK SUITE

This new CD by UK band Magenta (with many guest musicians) is a concept story about a woman who emigrates from Liverpool to the USA in the Seventies. The extra CD entitled The New York Suite (five songs) tells her stories in the 'Big Apple'. By the way, The New York Suite will be released seperately in September 2006.

Listening to this new CD I notice that Magenta has succeeded to sound more original and the compositions contain more variety. The Magenta sound is still based upon the pleasant voice by Christina, the strong guitar work by Chris Fry (a great Floydian inspired solo in Towers Of Hope and captivating, Eastern sounding guitar play in A Dream) and flowing, very melodic and harmonic compositions. These are tastefully coloured by the keyboards like mellow piano, organ and harpsichord in Moving On, the distinctive sound of the Fender Rhodes electric piano in My Home Town and wonderful classical orchestrations in Joe and Journey's End. The final two songs feature the Uillean Pipes, especially the contrast with the fiery wah- wah guitar is great.Though Magenta sounds a bit polished and at some moments a bit tame, the band has delivered their best and most captivating album!

The extra CD (Limited edition) contains five alternating songs, remarkable is the blend of the Seventies Yes sound (Howe guitar, Squire bass and vocal harmonies) because on the above reviewed CD Home, Magenta showcases a more original sound. The best tracks are Arrival with classical orchestrations, bombastic eruptions, howling guitar and fluent synthesizer runs and the compelling White Lies with lots of changing climates and pleasant work on guitar, keyboards and flute.