METAMORPHOSIS

Magenta is no longer one of the new faces on the scene, just as neo-prog has not been new for decades. This doesn't stop both from still having plenty of life, and providing a great listening experience. METAMORPHOSIS is Magenta's latest, a beautifully produced album featuring the work of singer Christina Booth and songwriter / keyboardist Rob Reed. Booth's vocals are sweet and clear, with just a bit of Delores O'Riordan (Cranberries) flavor from the Isles. Reed's songwriting is extremely mature and tight, and his keys range from simple piano to big synth sounds only slightly cleaned up from their 70's origins. Similarly, guitarist Chris Fry plays great renditions of Rush's Alex Lifeson, Genesis' Steve Hackett, and allusions to Steve Howe, all polished and precisely executed.

METAMORPHOSIS consists of two 20+ minute epics and two standard length tunes. Both epics are strong with loads of the ear candy that prog fans love, but there is a little lack of development of tension. Modern production techniques both give and take from this album, giving a lush, but minimally dynamic, sound. Of the epics, my preference is the title tune, which simply grabs me a little more effectively on an emotional level. It comes out swinging in a powerful three before becoming more syncopated and complex. A quiet strummy mid-section with Gilmourish lead fills is a nice contrast. Though the dynamics are still a little even during the majority of the sections, the tempo shifts add a greater sense of variety and tension. There are also a few hummable melodic motifs that give the song a firm identity. The short songs include a Celtic-prog delight and a relatively straight pop song.

My overall impression of this album is that it's one of the better typical modern prog albums I've heard. Everything is done here with skill, polish, and even joy. I don't expect big surprises or risks from neo-prog, and as long as the listener knows that going in, this is a pleasure to listen to. 3-4 star effort rounded up because I'm in a good mood and this music is making me happy right now.

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