LA MOSAÏQUE DE LA RÊVERIE

Another ´lost´ gem of the progressive scene in Japan of the 80´s. I was always amazed of how many good groups japan had at the time. I found out about this group only recently and what a nice surprise it was! Their sound is quite unique being a mix of symphonic prog with some japanese folk mix in (specially the vocal parts). I liked those bombastic keyboards put together with acoustic guitars a la Renaissance and some fine flute. Vocals are a bit acquiring the taste: not bad but also not great either. In fact, Hiroko Nagai, who also handles the keyboards, sings with passion and convinction, even if I didn´t like her timbre too much.

Production is quite good and their songwriting is excellent. Every track is a mini epic with many shifting moods and fine arrangements. They sure had a style of their own by the time they recorded La Mosaique De La Rêveie. they sound like no one in particular, and yet the overall sound is quite familiar and pleasant. There are no highlights nor fillers, all the album flows quite evenly. If you don´t mind those typical japanese vocals and lyrics, I recommended it highly.