REASON TO BELIEVE

Located in Wakefield, UK Mike Kershaw is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer, who had been recording music under the moniker of ''Relocate To Heathrow'' for quite some time.However in 2011 he decided to continue his journey under his birthname and in March 2012 he launched digitally the first chapter of his new career, entitled ''Reason to Believe''.The album was also available through a number of CD copies and both formats were available for purchase via bandcamp.

Kershaw seems to draw influences from a variety of groups and artists, while the closest comparison seems to be PINK FLOYD of the ''Division bell'' era along with MAGUS and maybe FONYA.His compositions have certainly an accesible Neo Prog flavor with a modern edge, dominated often by the strong use of electronic soundscapes, while the material is usually vocal-driven, surrounded by electroacoustic parts.The music is mostly atmospheric, split in powerful grooves with a PORCUPINE TREE vibe and more laid-back segments with keyboards in evidence, always performed tightly.A number of issues still hold the quality of this release to a lower level.The questionable songwriting and vocals along with the somewhat annoying programmed drums and some very digitally-sounding synths make the whole style a bit inhuman and emotionless, although Kershaw appears to have put some true effort on the sensitive side of his composing.The album lacks also some uptempo tracks and energy at moments, but at least half of them contain some very interesting ideas, combining spacey, almost cosmic soundscapes with atmospheric songwriting and sufficient, distorted guitar parts.

This shouldn't be among a Prog fan's priorities, but if you happen to come across this album, be sure that you enjoy the most atmospheric and synth-based side of Prog.The potential is there, a couple of upgrades should be definitely taken into consideration for a great comeback in the future...2.5 stars.