MOTIONS OF DESIRE

This is a debut album from a band coming out of Norway who destined to be a progressive band with musical concept combining the seventies roots of prog with modern music. Reading from the band's website I can consider that this band is visionary about they want to go in the future with the passage of life. Their debut album "Motions of Desire" depicts clearly their dream for the future. As stated the album title probably is the most representative as the framework for the future of the band, and probably also stands as the band´s true musical Motions Of Desire.. Wow! What a visionary philosophy. It's truly a progressive dream.

Magic Pie emerged some three years ago. The members came from a wide variety of musical background, each one previously playing in several bands and projects of different genre. Actually the band first started out playing cover-songs along with a couple of own songs. After fooling around with the covers for a while, suggestions were made to cut them out and completely go for own songs. This proved to be a major turn point, and really set the band into work mode... .Magic Pie feel fortunate with what could to be perfect timing for releasing progressive rock, which at the moment seems to be heading for a full worldwide renaissance... [excerpts from the band's website].

The band is not bullying with their vision for the future as they kick off this debut with a mind boggling title which has been a common day to day conversations in corporate and business world: CHANGE! Yeah man ..most management gurus have been talking about it for the last five or ten years, I think. Even Jack Welch when he was CEO of GE did say it: "Change your tire while you're driving your car!". It's clear that to survive in today's competitive business environment we have to reinvent ourselves continuously. Change is the only constant thing in life. Progheads knew it as well even when Genesis penned their lyrics for Firth of Fifth "The river of constant change .." or Jon and Vangelis with "Change We Must" or Yes with "Changes".

So is the case with Magic Pie, they set CHANGE as their strategic imperative for their music direction. Look at the composition of first track "Change": it's totally a mixed up styles but arranged neatly so it forms a music with a coherent structure. You can hardly identify exactly what kind of music these gentlemen are playing. At first impression I thought it's a progressive metal music as the opening part comprises heavy guitar riffs. But I'm cheated because what follows is not a metal music anymore, even for me is a kind like neo progressive music with floating guitar solo and keyboard sound. It then suddenly changes its style to upbeat riffs when vocal enters the music with arrangement that has elements of ELP sound. You can also hear the sounds or nuances of Procol Harum, Dream Theater and keyboard work that sounds like Ken Hensley. Getting confused? Yes, it is. But, don't get me wrong; the music is excellent. This opening track consumes 20 minutes in duration.

"Motions Of Desire" (6:32) sounds to me like Kansas meets Uriah Heep. Indeed the lead vocal voice is like David Byron in this track. The music is upbeat with relatively fast tempo - great keyboard work. "Full Circle Poetry" (14:15) begins with neo prog style with excellent flamenco guitar acoustic style. Some styles are also merged into this track: prog met and reggae. It's an excellent arrangement. "Without Knowing Why"(7:55) starts with great guitar solo and riffs (in the vein of progmet music) followed with punctuated rhythm section and powerful vocal, plus Keith Emerson-like keyboard sound. The electric guitar work is really awesome - with full distortion; and it rocks! Keyboard sound is like neo prog music scene. It's a great track that becomes my favorite track altogether with Change. Oh man . this is what prog music should sound! TERRRRRIIIFFFFFFIIIIIICCCCC ..!!!!!! IT ROCKS MAN!!!!

The epic "Illusion & Reality" which comprises three tracks merge another diverse musical styles. At first section the style is like a neo prog music but it gradually changes into prog metal riffs with stunning organ sounds, multi vocals part and heavy riffs that really rock! The tempo changes swiftly with great harmony between keyboard and prog metal guitar riffs. The sounds produced are really excellent and give an excellent experience enjoying it. It the changes again to neo prog style. Strange but nice; really. The album concludes with a great track "Dream Vision" (7:50) which features heavy riffs, acoustic guitar fills and electric guitar solo. The music has some symphonic touch as well; combined with prog met. The keyboard solo is really excellent. Overall, it's unique and very entertaining . especially if you have heard many styles of prog music. You name it, everything is here except space psychedelic.

I tend to give this debut album with five stars. But for the time being it's fair enough to give four stars: excellent addition to any prog music collection; because I have listened it in its entirety only four times and I don't want to give hallo effects here. I may upgrade the rating to five stars later.. The style and composition of the music are top notch. Highly recommended. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

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