COMPENDIUM

''Paraphernalia'' was a good enough album to establish Mr. So & So as one of the most promising British Prog bands.An intense period of gigging followed, during which the band was approached by the Cyclops label, which was interested to release a second album by the group.Mr. So & So visited the Pagan Studios in Runcorn and with the help of Legend's Steve Paine the recordings led to the ''Compendium'' work in 1994.In the album Charlotte Evans makes her first appearance with the group as a guest singer.

The style remains a very atmospheric Neo Prog with a romantic 80's vibe, obviously influenced by the music of PINK FLOYD and at the end sounding like a mix of MARILLION and THIRD QUADRANT.With some very long tracks the band passes through different tempos and moods, highlighted by excellent vocals, interesting hypnotic guitar solos and some accomplished keyboard textures by Kieren Twist.However there are moments, when the approach of the group gets a complex nature, filled with dual synthesizer fanfares, vintage organs in a 70's mood and complicated breaks.The guitars become heavier as the album unfolds, with the shorter pieces sounding a lot like a pre-PORCUPINE TREE version, even including some more experimental keyboard touches and more passionate vocals blended with grandiose synthesizers.The closing long cuts show a return to the band's roots, definitely following a more melodic/sensitive Neo Prog vein.Warm singing lines, PINK FLOYD-ian soundscapes and emotional guitar parts in a MARILLION vein complete a great album.

''Compendium'' belongs among the very versatile albums of the Neo Prog path, alternating between smoother and heavier material as well as melodic and more rhythmic moments.A great work indeed, no less than strongly recommended...3.5 stars.