ONEIRIC REALITY

Oneiric Reality is a concept piece concerning 'the Shinta's spiritual journey from an oneiric state to a frightened reality' - an idea that is extended by the booklet artwork.Musically, the band certainly isn't afraid to explore many audible horizons.Libertango stands as a good scene-setter, mixing a cool Parisienne vibe with a more strident tango rhythm leading into the sharp contrast that is the driving guitar and pretty-straight rock of Burning Hope.Next the listener is moved to another horizon where Daybreak mixes ethnic chants and drums with steel guitar and a more balladic neo-prog. We remain in a balladic frame of mind as we move off to The Shade Of The Hill - although here the piano features rather than guitar.The album's centre-piece is Les Mysteres du Chateau.Split into four parts, it has a classical structure with a 'virtual orchestra'. A harp sound works well, giving a sort of Clannad vibe, while elsewhere there's a sorta Pain Of Salvation-meets-60s prog rock thing going on.Illusion Meets Reality is a melodically strained neo-prog workout, before we go off in all sorts of directions with the final three tracks. Abitta Funky is just that - progressive jazz funk with a bit of rap.Discophobia is also just that - a Vangelis-style dance tune that coverts into a slice of progressive indie rock! The guitar and piano work is good throughout and Toralbo's voice manages to cope with the myriad of styles that the band attempts.Likewise, the band doesn't really fit into any category - something that can be a major disadvantage when trying to grab the attention of a label.Bright Horizon deserves credit for trying to mix some unusual styles and the end result can never be accused of being predictable.