IN SEARCH OF THE LOST CHORD

The second album by MB relies on own instrumentation instead of orchestra. These guys have mastered quite a few instruments including harp, saxophone, sitar and can do a things or two in production, you certainly won't be disappointed when it comes to sound.

The music is in the pop-rock vein, with bold moments, sometimes even experimental but dated and little progressive comparing to today's progressive trademarks. You can feel emotions and good hearted-intentions that few other bands can convey. Melodies are excellent and so are vocal harmonies, dinstinctive with a lot of substance. The typical mellotron is used in the background to a good effect and epicness. Another instrument I would highlight is the bass that is well thought out and audible. Apart from music, the cover and concept of the album are other two highlights.

Musically, I like the pompous ending of "House of four doors (Part 1)" with creepy doors, mellotron/piano. The following "Legend of a mind" has a convincing instrumental part with excellent flute and enigmatic mellotron. You can hear distant psychedelia and epic vocal harmonies. "Voices in the sky" is a warm folky track with mellotron, flute, acoustic guitar and piano - full sound. "Best way to travel" sounds like coming from a different band because it is rocking and sounds a bit rough. The bass, drums remind of psychedelic Beatles. "The actor" is a soaring ballad and the band chose the best possible vocal to it. Harmonies deliver even more emotional depth.

3.5 stars as this is musically a great but progressively non-essential album.