CINDERELLA SEARCH

Widely-unknown Japanese symphonic band,starting their career around mid- to late-80's under the figure of keyboardist/singer Akihisa Nakamura.On CINDERELLA SEARCH we also find classic-trained/prog-influenced violinist Junko Minobe with many collaborations in her country,later to be found on the line-up of another great Japanese progressive act,''Azoth''.Picture material indicate that CINDERELLA SEARCH was much of a theatrical group,using costumes and make-ups.By 1993 the band had grown into a sextet,while their debut came out the same year on Made In Japan.

Despite the link with the eponymous song of ''Marillion'' and the use of costumes,recalling ''Genesis'', CINDERELLA SEARCH'es sound has nothing to do with these bands.Their musicianship is much brighter and sensitive, characterized by the trully heavy use of violin,so the appropriate comparisons would be compatriots OUTER LIMITS or even better SAGRADO CORACAO DA TERRA.You won't find much of fiery electric guitars in here either.''Cinderella search'' is based on the magnificent violins of Minobe,the strong synth/organ solos of Nakamura and Masahiro Takeuchi,the solid rhythm section and the ultra-sensitive vocals of Nakamura,making the whole atmosphere quite romantic and emotional.The result is a rather straightforward melodic prog album with classical elements,yet a couple of tracks offer the bombastic sound of the well-known Japanese bands,featuring nice guitar solos and sufficient interplays.

Notice that all lyrics are written in English,while the last (awesome) track ''Remember you'' has been covered by Fabio Zuffanti's HOSTSONATEN on their debut (how did they dig it up???).For fans of soft symphonic/melodic prog this is an absolutely decent album.Personally I enjoyed it quite a bit.Recommended.

This Japanese band has remained surprisingly unknown and almost unreviewed here. It is said that they're among the most English sounding Japanese acts, and by and large I agree, although if you're familiar with Japanese Neo Prog, you probably might guess the country, for the rare sonic combination. The band name was taken from the single B side song of Marillion, but but don't expect to hear much similarities with that legendary Neo band. Also the way the frontman Akihisa Nakamura wore theatrical costumes may lead to false assumptions, since his very delicate, nearly feminine voice is far from either Peter Gabriel or Fish. In fact, it makes me think of Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac, or the most tender vocals in The Alan Parsons Project ballads.

Classically trained violinist Junko Minobe brings an essential ingredient to the melodic sound dominated by bright keyboards. Mellotron sounds are also used to a small degree. The compositional style could perhaps be compared to latter-day Camel, or Yes at their softest. Most of this eponymous debut album is rather mellow and romantic. Often the vocals are in a relatively central role, giving the music an accessible pop sensitivity. Only a couple of songs out of nine contain tighter prog elements. An interesting thing is that the elegant closing track 'Remember You' found its way to the debut album of the Italian prog band Höstsonaten. If you enjoy melodic, romantic and mellow crossover prog and the sound of violin, this may be a highly positive obscure discovery.

Eight years later Cinderella Search released their second album Stories of Luminous Garden (2001) which is more energetic Neo Prog but without the sensitive charm of the debut. After a longer silence they released The Suite "Next World" (2014), now sadly missing the violin and resulting as pretty unoriginal Neo Prog. I -- and the only other reviewer apps79 -- warmly recommend this debut.