RICH CASEY

To try to fully describe Casey's debut is something like a bet, as the artist explores so many musical paths in ''No way out'', that is impossible to come up with a short description.This fact hurts the album's consistency but at the same time Casey's ideas are way too interesting to just skip them.His base seems to be Electronic/Synth Rock, adding to the mixture elements from Classic Prog, Symphonic Rock, Lounge Jazz and New Age.Note that the album is all instrumental except for one vocal track (''Just Another Day'').The majority of Casey's ideas are heavily driven by the massive synth/organ explorations and piano paces with series of cosmic, elegant and sonic soundscapes.He often enriches them with his decent guitar playing, either in a heavy mold, much in the vein of COSMOGRAF or DARWIN'S RADIO, or with smooth acoustic themes and more intense symphonic leanings, not unlike early GENESIS.On the later tracks his music obtains a more Electronic approach with groovy drum programming and stronger synth work in the style of SHAMALL, but even so it remains quite inspired.And of course some pieces are exclusively based on his synths with a lovely, spacey and unique atmosphere.

Quality instrumental Electronic Prog/Rock by an unknown but talented artist and an excellent purchase both for massive listenings and background music.Warmly recommended.

Dark, atmospheric explorations is the name of the game here. Symphonic layers with a focus on mood exploration in mostly slow paced compositions is the main feature throughout, more often than not setting up multiple layered pompous sonic tapestries with one dominating and one or two additional underscoring melodic layers.

Bass and drums provide rhythms, acoustic and electric guitars are added sparingly; the latter mostly in the form of atmospheric guitar soloing.

Nothing really complex on this production though; but fans of symphonic rock inspired by Genesis of old, and in particular those enjoying music in this style at the most lush and mellow, may find this one intriguing. Especially if dark, melancholic moods are of general interest.