MIDAS II

Since this is the first review of this album, I would like to endorse what Bob Moore (ClemofNazareth) wrote about Midas in the band presentation. His words very much describe this album. So if the band presentation made you interested in this band; this is an album you should check out.

On this album, Midas combines classical music and Celtic type folk music with the likes of THE NICE, ELP, GENESIS and in particular YES. Maybe that sounds a bit familiar and so what ? to you. But then let me add that everything on this album is drenched and layered in an Eastern soundscape and this album becomes a original piece of music. The electric violin is everywhere and is supported by superb keyboards. The vocals are in Japanese and a bit weak in my opinion. But I am starting to get used to the thin Japanese vocals now and it seems like this is the normal type of vocals over there. So instead of critizise them, I should rather call them untraditional to my ears.

The song structures are both complex and simple at the same time. Yes, they do follow the typical YES formula for songs. That means many layers of melodies and riffs. But Midas also brings the music down to earth with some flirtation with easy listening classical music and in one instance; Celtic folk music. But mostly; the music is pretty hardcore symphonic prog. The songs are not particular long (average six minutes long) and that is my gripe with this album. I wish Midas could had written some longer songs on this album because they have all the abilities of the likes of YES. The musicianship here is superb. The music is good. Unfortunate, the music is a bit anonyme at places. I have problems with the vocals due to reasons mentioned above. But I still like this album a lot. I think is has a lot of promise and I will keep it in my prog rock cellar like I keep good wine in my cellar. I incidently store prog rock albums like these together with the fine wine I buy. I guess I will pick this album out again when I opens some nice bottles of Chardonnay. Albums like these never fades away. They just taste better with the age. Roll on the rocking chair, some nice mature wine and this album.

3.5 stars

Midas were seemingly falling in hiatus after the release of ''Beyond the clear air'', as Eigo Utoh was too busy with his normal job as a dentist to handle both a demanding occupation and the needs of a regular group.Three years would pass before his passion for music would come again on surface, reforming Midas with Eishyo Lynn again on keyboards and newcomers Kenjiro Kawakatsu (drums) and Shohei Matsuura (bass) (formerly of Mugen) joining in.Changing label, the group would now land on the endless list of Belle Antique bands and this way the new album ''Midas II'' sees the light in 1996.

The new album does not offer any significant changes in the style of Midas, which play an intricate mix of Symphonic Rock with touches from a U.K.-influenced Fusion, close to the sound of compatriots OUTER LIMITS.The violin work of Utoh with his instant Classical melodies is again on evidence with the most significant change coming in the keyboards section, where Lynn's performance is now a bit sharper and less grandiose.Vocals are still in Japanese and they are least bearable, the music on the other hand ranges from good to great, always delivered through fascinating arrangements, complex breaks and solos and pure, symphonic melodies.Both the synthesizers and the rhythm section sound a bit thin at moments, but generally the song structures follow Midas' familiar style, shifting from bombastic instrumentals to more elaborate and smooth plays.You often get the feeling the keyboards edges come from a Neo Prog album, the next time though Lynn's offerings get back to a very Classical-inspired mood along the principles of THE ENID.The romantic ''La festa'' with the alternating violin/synthesizers themes is propably on of the best example for the fascinating sound of Midas.

The first two albums of Midas could have been easily released in reverse order, as this one has a more 80's-like vibe overall.But the music is great, polished and well-executed and the group avoids any of the cheesiness met in the mass of Japanese bands.Great album, strongly recommended...3.5 stars.