SOUNDS OF IMAGINATION

In 1994 another self-released work from Cast appeared, entitled ''Sounds of Imagination'', containing a full hour of Neo/Symphonic Rock music.This fact strengthened the rumor that the material of the band's first albums was actually compositions written during Cast's long absence from discography between the years 1978 and 1994.

While ''Sounds of Imagination'' holds strong similarities with the band's debut ''Landing in a Serious Mind'', the tracks are more conveincing and definitely fully symphonic-oriented, containing nice arrangements, proggy breaks and fine instrumental themes.Again GENESIS and MARILLION are the most obvious influences and the album offers twelve satisfying compositions with great keyboard parts and sufficient guitar work.A few of them still present a bit of AOR-oriented vibes in the vein of SAGA, especially in the synth parts, but even these are exposed with a very symphonic and grandiose approach.The vocals of Dino Brassea are theatrical, expressive and intense, much in the vein of FISH, and the music offers some really interesting moments, based on smooth TONY BANKS-like organ themes, careful guitar melodies, deep synthesizers.And while the album lacks any kind of monster compositions, the truth is that all of them are far from weak and often even flirt with the top-notch level.

Great second round by Cast.Smooth and well-developed Neo/Symphonic Prog with emphasis on keyboards, an album of decent value for all fans of the style.Warmly recommended.