MIRRORGAMES

It opens on another epic song. Half the lenght of "Hostsonaten", it will lead to a brilliant combination of opera, almost classical music, somptuous symphonic parts as well as some KC flavour. Keys, and to a certain extent some flute have a prominent role. Even Fabio on the vocals is quite acceptable (but I had the same feeling for their first opus). This song conveys a lot of peaceful moments; extremely relaxing for most of it (sweet vocals, pastoral acoustic guitar).

Definitely early Genesis (thus KC) origins. But this has always pleased me. Perfect for meditation (and this is not pejorative in this case) and sooooooo beautiful. But I confess that I am a bit biased with Fabio's project. "La Machera" being my preferred one.

If ever you are a mellotron maniac (like I am) you can only fall in love with "Mirror Cloud". The sax / flute / mellotron combination is superb. Same exceptional melodies. Some might argue that it is only a copy of the fantastic ITCOTCK, but I am really thrilled to hear this. is it "retro-prog" (Oh boy ! I just hate this term) ? Maybe. But it does not matter. When played with such maestria & passion, one can only be charmed (at least I am).

Same kind of feeling drives me during "Season Of Eve". This one sounds a bit neo-prog (but still combined with classical elements). The wonderful harmonies remain. At this time of the record, one really feels that this is a special album and that no disappointment awaits the listener. Although "The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner" is not as great. It is less harmonious, less passionate. But it was hardly possible to go on with perfection. Still very good guitar break is to be noticed (not very frequent within this band). This is just a nice song. Amongst brilliant ones.

"There's A Certain Slant Of Light" is the only short track of this album. Clocking at just over two minutes (while three lasts for oVer eight minutes). Just a link to bring you to the next epic : "Ellipsis" which will take you in their wonderfull world for another seventeen minutes.

Classic fluting to start, and then a bombastic instrumental section in which a solid bass is setting the tone. But there are so many theme changes in this song that it is rather difficult to describe it. I really recommend you to listen to this nice, sweet and gentle song. It is full of subtlety (flute and guitar) and the last seven minutes are a pure joy for the ear. At times harder, it brings some diversity to the whole.

I can cope with some critics saying that this album sounds a bit too much the same. Somehow, they are right. But I really love it and I can only recommend it to you. But their albums are not easy to find. Vocals are all in English (but this is almost intrumental music).

Four stars and a must own if pure symphonic music is your cup of tea.

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