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Mangala Vallis - The Book of Dreams CD (album) cover

THE BOOK OF DREAMS

Mangala Vallis

 

Rock Progressivo Italiano

3.61 | 73 ratings

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tszirmay
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars Mangala Vallis' debut is quite a well-rounded story as the lush and rather breathtaking artwork of "Book of Dreams "will attest, serving up another hefty dose of spirited symphonic Prog "a l' Italiana" and inspired by that well known giant literary progger , Jules Verne! This is really primo stuff as the band is spearheaded by the ravaging Hammond C-3 with Leslie, a heralded monster of legendary proportions and reputation, deftly played by Enzo Cattini. He is aided and abeted by Gigi Cavalli Cocchi on drums and the guitar/bass magic of Mirco Consolini. Added guests fill out the lead mike role (Vic Fraja, Matteo Setti and the future lead singer -on the next album- ex-PFM & Acqua Fragile vocalist Bernardo Lanzetti), as well as a saxophonist and violist. After the brief fanfare of "Ouverture", the story line gets fully developed with some rather effervescent and grandiose arrangements (hello Mellotron M-400 and Mini-Moog D), "Is the End the Beginning" offering up some dizzying electric licks, all washed in cascading torrents of choir 'Tron and energetic vocals by Setti. The title track really sets the speakers ablaze with a whirlwind romp that has Genesis' signature all over it, from the zipping synth lead, the jangling 12 string guitars, the Rutherfordian bass pumping jovially along , all held by sprightly drums to the uncanny "Jacob wake up and tidy your room now " feel , some nifty harmonies to boot. Yes, it's a well-performed take on a classic and we are so much blessed for it. Fun! Hey, I Know What I Like! "The Journey" is a massive 12 minute piece that combines dashes of Genesis, close cousin Marillion and Pink "The Wall" Floyd. Vic's English vocals are quite impressive, conveying the right amount of emotion without sounding like a Napolitan tourist guide (Madonna mia!). The organ typically devastates, the marshalling rhythm powers forward, giving the guitar the opportunity to stretch out and roam among the vaporous synth clouds. An excellent slice of first rate prog that sizzles all the way through, a cool synthesizer solo whistles by unforeseen and the crescendo "outro" is where the Floyd influence screams through the nebulae. Slide guitar squeals adorn appropriately and the insistent bliss is terrific. "Days of Light" is probably the most Gabrielesque , something the sadly departed Shaun Guerin would have come up with, mainly due to the passionate vocal delivery , the gorgeous mellotron fueling the internal fire, with a duo of sultry sax solos (goodness, what a beautiful and warm sound, so un-Genesis and so desperately needed in prog). A definite winner that deserves lofty praise! "Under the Sea" menaces darkly at first, with glowing intensity and moody shifts, where barracuda-swift guitar torpedoes and synthesized dolphin solos mingle amid the chaotic water, organ swells cresting over the horizon. "Asha" is another Genesis inspired gem, full of delicate instrumental ornamentations that recall Collins' work on Afterglow, highly romantic and even slightly commercial but Cattini's energetic mellotron keeps things interesting throughout, a slim country style pickin in the midsection. A totally unexpected narration puts this one to rest. "The New Century" is another extended piece, featuring Signore Lanzetti and has heavy symphonic trappings. He has a trembling tremolo that needs getting used to, not everyone's cup of tea and certainly not mine, but he does an admirable job nevertheless. Halfway across, the viola makes its gracious entrance while the axes churn gracefully in the foreground, a sedate solo accentuating the voyage. The final seconds rely on the now famous dialogue between Houston and The Eagle when landing on the Moon. Yes, this is certainly a worthwhile trip that deserves place in a prog collection. 4 Nautiluses
tszirmay | 4/5 |

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