MEI

Echolyn

Symphonic Prog

4.13 | 373 ratings

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agla

From a band like Echolyn we always expect the best: work as " Suffocating the Bloom " and especially " As the world" are real masterpieces of modern prog .

"Mei " is very close to those sounds sparkling, made of analog sounds, dinamic percussion and lovely melodies, but seems partially obscured by a cloud heavy, gray, with the striking artwork to accentuate this approach.

The basic concept is left to interpretations very free, symbolizing in an almost " cathartic " the journey and its values .

We take as a comparison two classic suites "Close to the Edge" or " Thick as a brick ": in " Mei " is missing the division into sections or movements , it is slightly marked predominance of themes, that mark the highlights of speech.

The vocals are divided between Ray Weston (also on bass) and Brett Kull: the guitarist seems to background, working to give body and strength. Chris Buzby dominates wisely on keyboards either a sound purely " vintage". Toghether Paul Ramsey is confirmed percussionist Pearlson, and the rhythmic scores are more "linear" than before, less sharp, also thanks to the " roundness " of the keyboard- work, the same vocals , though suggestive , do not have the complexity of the years.

A special mention deserves the good work of Kull, between recording and mixing, but penalizing the choice not to break the cd in different tracks, there are many interesting moments, that deserve to be played back, in particular towards the final fireworks .

The catchy vocal passages, the smart choice for a small string section, which is often intertwined with tunes disturbing the mellotron, more discreet presence of the winds, favorite colors are dark and shadowy, sometimes sinister, little space for virtuosity individual, much to the chorus.

This is also a stretch winning album, and an characteristic of the "new " Echolyn , it seems that they have developed a very personal way of composing, more relaxed and serene. References fusion of the past seem to be forgotten, a vague echo of the experience Finneus Gauge is present, Summing up, I think it is undoubted validity ' of " Mei", compared to the average of production in the prog music.

The Echolyn fanciful and " abundant "of the past are now buried, advancing relentlessly simplifying the sound, always charming and engaging, having regard to the capacity of the four.

agla | 4/5 | 2013-11-18

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