TOUCH THE MYSTERY

It's very cold in our region of Canada now. That is why it was very comfortable during our Saturday men-beer- party at the mantelpiece with Modern-Rock Ensemble album. We've not been disturbed by wives and kids to attentively listen to the album. Afterwards we discussed our impressions; however I would like to present my personal opinion. How can we comment the greatest progressive rock albums that most of us admire, for example: "Close to the Edge" by Yes, "Foxtrot" by Genesis, "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd? Great music with distinctive style, unique or special sound production, highly professional performance of musicians, interesting lyrics, strong epics, innovative approach to compositions, impressive album sleeves (in all of these albums) having great synergy with music. What can be discovered in Touch the Mystery album?

Music ? obviously this album presents very distinctive style, influenced by quite a number of genres moulded together with the great skill. However, I prefer a bit more edgier and sharper guitar sound. Nothing can be done ? I like progressive metal. So for this feature of the album I would put a rate ? 4.

Sound production ? after the second spin of the album I loved the sound. It's deep, very thick, though each instrument can be nicely heard. For this album it is very important, since every instrument is playing an interesting individual party. I will rate "production" at 5.

Performance of musicians ? it is hard for me to indicate somebody in this band who was not extremely skilled or even unique. Guitar, saxophone, strings and synths are going through numerous transformations and culminations from very nice melodic sounds to a powerful rocky storm. Fretless bass player made a great job. To my opinion only the drummer was less emotional and I would love to hear from him more aggression. I will rate "performance" at 4+.

Lyrics ? I am absolutely sure that to share with Vladimir his deep and sophisticated lyrics and messages one needs to be definitely in his thirties at least. However many prog rock fans have already reached this age or are even older. I will rate "lyrics" at 5.

Epics ? to my opinion Vladimir is cleverly enough leading us to the central epic "Touch the Mystery", starting from mini-epic "Meditations" and finishing album with another mini epic "Swamp". All of them are nicely done but to my taste portion of jazz rock is a bit too high. Nevertheless I will rate this feature of the album at "4+".

Composition ? isn't it fresh and attractive ? absolutely yes. I will rate it 5.

Album sleeve ? it is vivid, picturesque and reflects the battle of "Good and Evil" in the music inside the album. It as well provides us with an idea that violin (or other strings) will serve as the main weapon in the album. I will rate it 5.

Summarizing my thoughts I've reached the rate of "5". Do you agree? Not? Please come to Canada to our mantelpiece and our beer party and you'll agree. If to put humor aside ? "Touch the Mystery" is a great album.