TOUCH WOOD

From ''Massive Hollowness'' Mangrove couldn't else than move forward.Corrective actions occured regarding the line-up with Eric Holdtman (later he appeared on King Eider's '' Somateria Spectabilis'' album) and Hans van der Linden out of the picture, entering is new keyboardist Chris Jonker, while the band's leader Roland van der Horst took over the vocal duties.The band recorded its official full-length debut ''Touch wood'' at The Farm Studio in Zeewolde, mastered at The Music House in Mangrove's hometown Apeldoorn and released privately in 2004.

These moves by the leading members had more than a positive impact in Mangrove's overall style.The confusing sound of their previous release is subsituted by more-developed and focused compositions with symphonic and Neo Prog inspirations, while van der Horst's voice recalls the vocal lines of ROINE STOLT.The new music side of the band is pretty attractive.Based on the path bands that MARILLION, THE FLOWER KINGS and SPOCK'S BEARD developed over the years, they present long and well-executed tracks with changing themes and moods, quite close to the style of KNIGHT AREA and GALLEON, where melody meets atmosphere meets adventure.The style is modern Symphonic Rock, much based on synthesizers and guitars with sporadic organ and Mellotron washes, not very original but certainly on a higher level than their debut.Interesting melodies, bombastic synth instrumental parts and very tightly connected textures result series of great pieces of Prog music, that can be both deeply lyrical and musically intricate.There is some obvious influence by RUSH in some of the guitar moves, but there are also plenty of nice solos included.This is pretty typical Neo/Symphonic Prog of the modern Dutch school, featuring the principles of the Symphonic Rock genre surrounded by modern elements and a clear production.

I will say this again, The Netherlands appear to be among the top 3 countries regarding Neo/Symphonic Prog acts of decent quality.Add yet another group in the list, as Mangrove's ''Touch wood'' is an excellent album, that is far from personal, but contains tons of extraordinary moments for the fans of the genre.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.