MASSIVE HOLLOWNESS

Dutch outfit Mangrove was born out of the ashes of the band Brainstorm (a 98' CD out entitled ''Cold World'') in Apeldoorn, led by guitarist Roland van der Horst and drummer Joost Hagemeijer.The original line-up featured also vocalist Eric Holdtman, bassist Peter Drost and keyboardist Hans van der Linden.The first work by the band was the self-produced mini-CD ''Massive Hollowness'' in 2001.

The opening ''Freedom'' is a negative surprise, like a late-60's rocker ripping off the guitar chops of THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE and having a completely dull chorus.Things will get better from this point and the band delivers decent but far from essential compositions.The three-part 10-min. ''Zone'' contains influences from RUSH, CAMEL, PINK FLOYD and PORCUPINE TREE with long both spacey and psychedelic guitar work along with background synths but the vocals of Holdtman remain totally unexpressive.The rest of the album features compositions mostly somewhere between Heavy Prog and Neo Prog with guitar in evidence, mediocre arrangements, while the vocals are very melodramatic and definitely not among my likings.Some good guitar riffs and solos are actually the only things to remember.

Amateur production regarding Mangrove's first steps.Uninspired musicianship with a few decent ideas, which will please a very small number of Progressive Rock fans.Better avoid it.