INTERNATIONAL DAYLIGHT

Mindgames recently had their definite breakthrough with their 2010 album MMX, an album I will explore some day. Right now I will review the debut of this Belgian outfit playing in typical neo progressive style. This is regularly noticeable thanks to slightly emotional vocals accompanied by good guitar and keys producing semi-long compositions. These vocals are by no means poor but they aren't top notch either. Shall we say: somewhere in between ? Typical prog vocals like I stated in more of my reviews, vocals are more often the Achilles heel of progbands.

With Mindgames it's no different I'm afraid but I had hoped for and counted on somewhat more impressive compositions as well when I saw the running times of the songs which could indicate we're dealing with impressive stuff here. The compositions again aren't weak or poor but they aren't truly memorable or excellent either. Let's say I've heard better on all those neo bands and albums I witnessed before. The longest (closing) track is by far the best in this department and makes me doubt a bit to give the 4 stars anyway but I'm afraid the rest isn't really good enough to secure that. It's somewhere around the 3,5 mark to be exact but I wouldn't dare to recommend this to anyone as an excellent prog album. Pretty good neo prog is what this is so I will give three.