ELECTRUM

Powerful, instrumental, guitar-led Progressive Rock is the style on this album, which often evokes the great days of RUSH and KING CRIMSON as well as modern acts or artists from the U.S. like TONY SPADA or TILES.Long arrangements with nice power grooves in the vein of ALEX LIFESON along with emphatic breaks and smoother chords meet the sometimes more melodic side of Electrum with a few added doses of keyboards.In the more complicated parts Kulju's style also brings to mind ROBERT FRIPP's heydays with KING CRIMSON.There is a good balance between heavier Power Rock material and softer instrumental pasages, while the band changes direction every minute, making the album far from monotonous.Kulju and Foti provide also synthesizers in parts of some tracks, adding a light symphonic flavor, while the music flirts with Prog/Fusion at times, recalling US compatriots MIND GALLERY.

Excellent purchase for all fans of the aforementioned bands/artists and especially RUSH.Energetic, dynamic, diverse and recommended music all the way.

Wow, what a mixed bag this CD is, and I mean that in a positive way as the musical styles are quite diverse, although there is a subtle "sameness" across the whole album. Many of the reviews I've read point to Rush as a big influence, and I'm not so sure the influence is "big," but it certainly is there, mostly in Musmanno's almost Peart-style of drumming. Occasionally the guitar work is similar to that of Alex Lifeson, but generally Dave Kulju has a wide palette and I hear similarites with other prog guitarists like John Mitchell, Roine Stolt, Chris Fry, and John Petrucci (yes, Kulju plays some metallic riffs in places). Some songs are jazzy, some even exhibit blues influences. Some are energetic, some peaceful, and some are a mix of several styles. I even hear a little neo prog and symphonic prog in places, though the keyboards are usually used as a background or to fill out the sound more, with occasional solos being brought out into the front. The bass work is exceptional, though it plays a more subdued accompanying role instead of being in front. Occasionally I sense some Geddy Lee references (particularly during the last track).

Overall a really nice album and an enjoyable listen. If you like your prog in the instrumental vein with touches of Rush, this one is worth your attention.

The worst moments of the album are probaly "The Will To Power" (too bad it is the opener) and "Appartment Living", which has nothing to do with the jazzy melodic approach of the rest of the tracks.

My favourite tracks are "Degrees Of Freedom" and "A Fugue State", both outstanding pieces, of prog with great melodies, constant mood changes and wise use of keyboards.

Recommended to all fans of instrumental prog rock.

This was recorded in the mid-to-late 1990's with a limited production budget. Their 2nd album, "Standard Deviation" would be a great step forward for the band in terms of composition and production. But "Frames of Mind" projects a more singular identity and more prominently wears its RUSH influence as a "badge of honor".

Love it or hate it, there is no doubt that is a very *unique* RUSH inspired offering. When I picked it up in the late 1990's, it was bargain-priced even as a new CD so look around for a good retail price if you want to hear a unique approach to Rush flattery.