VISION

The greatest asset emanating from membership in Progarchives is the free-willed sharing of information and how some members smartly interact by sending suggestions and reading relevant and often revealing reviews that can engender some amazing discoveries. Often we thank some colleague for a recommendation that turns out to be a godsend. So I thank synthphony who hinted that this album may be down my alley. We had already conversed about how tough "neo-prog" can be, with a lot of mediocre stuff sprinkled with a few unknown jewels. I had no clue about German band Martigan, so I accessed the video on PA and I liked that a lot, went out to purchase it! Wow, what a ride this is , a colossal nearly 80 minute musical fest that is drenched in so may delectable moments that I will probably need a few dozen spins to absorb it all (now that doesn't sound like your pedestrian neo album, huh?) . First the boys in the band, led by the ultra-talented Kai Marckwordt who was correctly identified by our "hibou" as owning a voice eerily close to David Cousins' and Uncle Phil Collins, the dense and ably concocted keyboard weavings of Oliver Rebhan , the Bisch brothers Björn on scintillating lead guitar and Alex on power drums , all ably supported by the fluid bass prompting of Peter Kindler. The disc disrobes with the mammoth marathon "Boatman's Vision", a 23 minute journey into the deepest progressive expanses, undistilled expressions of groove heavy space-rock flavored with classic neo ornamentations but also possessing constant tempo changes just to keep the mood challenging. This is truly a musical voyage, a blissful evasion into some personal heaven that permits and in fact even perpetuates a world of fantasy and abandon, highlighted by some incredibly sharp timbres, sketching fickle themes and raunchy dynamics. The rude guitar likes to spice up the proceedings with unfettered gusto, aided and abetted by some colossal synthesizer/mellotron waves while the bass & drum unit keep everything tight and concise. "Craze This Town" is a more concise affair with innovative effects, breezy modern keyboard frazzle and impeccable sonic dazzle. A remarkable guitar solo seals the deal, as Björn has really mastered his hold over the finicky neo-prog guitar seat. "Snapshots" is a succinct interlude that winks to the celestial expanse of the galaxy, slow strung guitar notes over a cosmic keyboard shower while Kai comments on the routine of life. "Touch in Time" is fascinatingly modern and a tad melancholic piece where pinging synths tick and gentle piano tock as Kai muses effusively a la Fish/Gabriel (actually closer to Adam Lassa of Polish band Abraxas), the brutish guitar paints delicate swaths of emotion, raging with bluster then swooning in pain, all coated in lush symphonic layers. There is an overpowering bombastic feel that is close to Collage -period Moonshine, (a huge compliment by the way!) that exudes a deep charm. "Much More" broods deeply with extensive orchestrations when the guitar just turbo-charges ahead, taking the piece into rhythmic overdrive, slowed only by the brief vocal storyline and evolves into a masterful instrumental foray that renders speechless! If this is neo, it ain't wimpy! The final 2 epic tracks are really the proverbial cherry on the cake, the groovy 10 minute "Red & Green" is a wondrous escape into spacey prog (great modern beat with Spanish guitar and fabulous singing by Kai), certainly a favorite track with an incredible solo guitar that rekindles the emotional spirit of the classic master craftsmen (Gilmour, Latimer and Hackett), bubbling bass and thumping drums give this piece an almost funky feel as it explodes into expansive creativity. This is my fave track here, without a doubt. As for the 20 minute finale "The Contract", hold onto your hats Progboys, we have a classic here to sink those hungry ears into, a whirlwind track that will satiate those inner cravings! Delicate piano introduces the orchestral plaint, an elegant theme that will fascinate the Wakeman fans. The bass pops in to fling this puppy into proggier orbits, the guitar shoving it along but they all fail to dim the piano's plight, Kai singing his heart out with obvious glee . Observably, the tempo changes constantly by introducing new fundamentals, assorted vocal effects and stretchy bass lines cannot deviate the magical piano from conducting this baby toward the upper reaches of Prog bliss. Scratch organ solos, riveting guitar explosions, wispy synth intricacies, the bass holding it all down and a drummer who can actually drum! The musicians are first rate instrumentalists. Somehow, this amazing band may go unnoticed which would be a crying shame as the material here is on par with the previously mentioned Moonshine or IQ's Dark Matter, ICU's Now & Here and a few other "neo"gems. Please check this band out . You won't believe this but we are talking 5 Cologne hallucinations! Thanks keith!