VISION

3.5 stars. There's been quite a buzz surrounding this album in Prog circles and for good reason. This Neo-Prog band from Germany aren't new but many like myself really didn't know who they were when we heard the name MARTIGAN. They've been making albums since 1995 but this is only their fourth studio album. It seems like they got it right this time (haha). I'm a big fan of this genre and MARTIGAN push all the right buttons for me, although an over 79 minute album is a mistake in my books. Heck the opening and closing tracks alone make up over 43 minutes by themselves. And those two tracks impress me the most. I would have been happy with just those two. The rest is good but it does keep me from giving this 4 stars.Vocals are in English and they have that Gabriel / Fish sort of style and are well done. Lots of keyboards and guitar, and the bass is quite chunky for the most part. And yes the drumming might be the best attribute of this band. So lots to like here.

"Boatman's Vision" opens with the sound of someone changing stations on the radio before the synths and bass come in, then a full sound after 1 1/2 minutes. Vocals a minute later. Some spoken words here too, both male and female. I like when it kicks back in at 6 minutes and the guitar that follows. Check out the drumming and organ after 9 minutes. More great drum work 11 minutes in and the guitar is ripping it up after 14 1/2 minutes.The tempo continues to shift. I like when the chorus is reprised late "Guardian angels drift out of the screen". "Craze" has some enjoyable synths and bass in the intro. Vocals and atmosphere come in as the bass continues. Some soaring guitar on this one especially 4 1/2 minutes in and to end it.

"Snapshots" has some atmosphere as synths wash in and we get some sparse bass and guitar. Spoken words end it. "Touch In Time" opens fairly calmly but both the vocals and instrumental work begin to get passionate. Contrasts continue. Some beauiful guitar 6 1/2 minutes in. "A Giant Concern" is a short pastoral tune with vocals. "Much More" has some orchestration in the intro and throughout. Lots of synths around 5 minutes. "Red & Green" is a cool tune with a catchy beat. "The Contract" is the over 20 minute closer. Piano to open before pulsating synths come in around 1 1/2 minutes. Some heaviness too. Solo piano again after 2 minutes before the vocals and a fuller sound take over. Great guitar sound 4 1/2 minutes and a minute later. It settles 7 minutes in with piano and bass, drums join in. The tempo continues to change back and forth. I like the guitar 16 1/2 minutes in. Piano ends it.

For me this is a feel good album that is well done but way too long. A good album regardless.