SECOND HOME - LIVE AT PROG DREAMS V

When speaking of exceptional bands being out on business in the neo prog scene, MYSTERY will belong to the ranking for many. If anything will prove this largely enough than 'Second Home', which features a bunch of live recordings taken at Progdreams Festival 2016 in Zoetermeer. The band is from Canada, as for that one might not really expect a huge fanbase being present over there in the Netherlands. But you can distinctly hear it, it's not for the first time and they must have made an impression on many already three years before. The crowd seems to be in joyful anticipation, in enthusiastic mood, right from the very start. A proper reason to reserve some time for this double album, isn't it?

And so indeed, here we have a prolific performance to notice, this time with front man Jean Pageau aboard, who is equipped with a strong singing voice. I wasn't aware of any studio output beforehand, but this will be a best-of collection for sure, deriving from their albums they have produced during more than 20 years. My highlights on CD1 are the opener Delusion Rain and the extended as well as tricky Another Day. CD2 then especially shines with Song For You and Superstar. Awesome album. 'Second Home' delivers an entertaining blend of neo prog and AOR with a heavy edge. A full load over the course of more than two hours. If you like catchy, highly melodic songs presented in a playful mood you can't fail here.