BRAINSTORM OF EMPTYNESS

''Moonsadness'' was followed by a cover on Genesis classic ''Living forever'' for the tribute album ''The River of Constant Change''.Since Mellow Records decided to pick up Moongarden, the band's leaders Cristiano Roversi and David Cremoni moved on with the writing process of the first trully full-length release of the band.They recruited Dimitri Sardini on rhythm guitars, Massimiliano Sorrentini on drums and Riccardo Tonco from Theatre on vocals and released ''Brainstorm of Emptyness'' in 1995.

Roversi dedicated this album to CAMEL's Andy Latimer but I cannot hear much of his influence in ''Brainstorm of Emptyness'', maybe only in some sensitive guitar lines.The new album finds the band more mature and the style is halfway between GENESIS' smooth approach and MARILLION's more intense moments, mostly in a soft Symphonic Rock vein than Neo Prog.Most of the tracks are long with excellent arrangements and passionate vocals, filled with both analog and modern keyboards and some really nice guitar parts here and there.Moongarden still show their love for simple acoustic themes and calm piano interludes throughout the album and these are nicely combined with huge symphonic parts, featuring loads of Mellotron and organs next to the familiar Neo Progg-ish flashy synths.The vocal performance of Tonco is quite theatrical, slightly accented but definitely satisfying.The later part of the album though contains some heavier moments in the style of SYLVAN with strong riffs and grandiose keyboards, always played with energy and intensity.But the more melodic passages are definitely Moongarden's strong point and the album's highlights, filled with emotional instrumentals, tight orchestrations and lovely both synth and guitar solos.

Quite strong Neo/Symphonic Prog, ready to satisfy all the demanding listeners of the sound as well as anyone into Retro Prog adventures, with delicate music themes and great vocals.Highly recommended.