THE LEMMINGS WERE PUSHED

Elio Bruno (keyboards), Tracy Gloeckner (drums) and Mike Anderton (guitars) of Mind Gallery were playing together since late-70's, with One-Eyed King being their first regular band along with Dennis Vasile on bass, but the Vancouver-based quartet wasn't meant to stay because of the rocky relationship beyween Anderton and Gloeckner.Elio and Tracy continued to play together and by late-80's they decided to form Mind Gallery with Anderton returning this time on bass duties, while Bruno brought in guitarist Gary Bourgeois, who was running a local music store once Bruno visited.In 1991 ''The Lemmings Were Pushed'' was self-released and produced on the Mind Games label.

We are talking about early-90's here, Progressive Rock revival was still in an embryonic phase, but these guys were determined to play uncommercial and complicated music.The album is a very intricate mix of Symphonic Progressive Rock and Fusion with plenty of keyboard work, led by Bruno's great talent, but also some nice performances by the rest of the crew.An all instrumental effort, ''The Lemmings Were Pushed'' offers series of dramatic deliveries, where complex keyboard-driven Fusion meets perfectly melodic symphonic-inclined breaks.The keyboard work is simply fascinating with lots of sudden breaks, atmospheric synths and virtuosic playing, Bruno can really play in a masterful level to say the least.The guitar work of Bourgeois is another highlight.From complicated odd time signatures to jazzy solos and from superb melodic touches to some great interplays with Bruno's keyboards.The rhythm section is strong and solid and all these musicians managed to create a stable, rich and coherent style, much with its own personality.The superb dreamy passages alternating with the demanding technical instrumental parts are endless, fully-inspired and captivating, making the album almost a must-have.

Excellent Symphonic/Fusion with plenty of interplays but also a huge sense of melody.I recommened the album highly to all fans of true Progressive Rock and especially those into acts like HOLDING PATTERN, THE EDHELS or KURT RONGEY.A huge Canadian surprise indeed.