THE READING ROOM

M.Brasse from the band BRASSE came up with this concept album and he wrote the narration and did the artwork.The only narration he didn't write was for "The Pleasure House" which Stuart Nicholson from GALAHAD wrote. By the way there are ten different Neo- Prog bands doing these ten different songs. I like the concept and while i'm not big on narration it works here. It's funny because i'm not really into most of these bands but getting just one song from each makes it better. I should mention that GALLEON and LIKE WENDY are two bands I do like a lot.

"The Reading Room" is done by BRASSE. It opens in an epic way before the narration comes in.Vocals 2 1/2 minutes in as keys and drums join in. A fuller sound 4 minutes in. Synths only before 6 1/2 minutes then reserved vocals return as it builds. Mellotron and guitar follow then narration ends it. "The Private Space" is done by GALLEON. It opens with narration then it turns fairly heavy.Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes. Gotta love the synths then a prolonged piano led section takes over and ends 5 1/2 minutes in as it turns fuller with guitar. Narration ends it. "Silent Land" is done by NIGHT WATCH who would later become THE WATCH. Narration as a laid back sound and vocals comes in. Mellotron too.Vocals stop and it turns spacey with mellotron after 4 1/2 minutes. Nice. It kicks in with power then the vocals return. Narration ends it. "The Last Supper" is done by ARAGAON. Narration continues then fragile vocals and synths take over. I really like the beat as it sounds like early PORCUPINE TREE around 3 minutes. It's heavier 5 1/2 minutes in then the guitar soars. Narration ends it.

"The Empress" is done by LIKE WENDY. It opens with a beat and synths then narration joins in briefly then vocals.Vocals stop and drums and synths dominate around 3 minutes. Piano and vocals 4 1/2 minutes in. Narration ends it. "The Janus" is done by FINAL CONFLICT. Narration eventually comes in then vocals.This is good. Laughter and theatrics comes and goes.This is really good ! Strummed guitar and vocals 5 1/2 minutes in. It's heavy again late. "Aiden" is done by MARYSON.This is led by keyboards and reserved vocals early as it builds. It settles back then kicks in as contrasts continue. Narration ends it. "The Pleasure House" is done by GALAHAD. Narration continues then the music kicks in.The tempo picks up then the narration returns. Unlike the other tracks the narration comes and goes throughout this one. "Searching" is done by JACOB'S LADDER. Narration to start then it turns pastoral with melancholic vocals. Not the best track at all. "Getting The Picture" is a short instrumental conclusion done by CLIFFHANGER.

3.5 stars. A good album and Neo-Prog fans shouldn't hesitate in checking this out.