METAMORPHOSIS

Is there really a metamorphosis in Magenta's music ? Let's see.

During the short "Prekestolen", the addition of Troy Donockley (uilleann pipes) gives a certain air of prog folk music. He was already playing with the band on their previous release as a guest, but has now fully integrated the band. A fine tune.

The other short song has some Mostly Autumn flavour, even if at times it sounds somewhat heavy; but the guitar work is really close to Josh's one. Christina is always as charming and her voice here is wonderful. The melody is excellent as well. A very good song too.

Now, about the two epics. The band already produced several ones of that kind (four on their debut "Revolutions" which was a double CD) and is used to release long compositions (ten+ minutes). But they tend to be very much (too much actually) derivate from the Yes sounds.

And it is exactly the same when you listen to opening number "The Ballad Of Samuel Layne". Sounds as if you're listening to "Tales." or alike. Only the pipes (again) adds this little originality touch. Throughout these twenty minutes, you'll get some Howe related guitar, and other "Yes" sounds. Not really original to say the least; but pleasant. Even Gilmour is revisited once in a while.

The title track is just a copy "The Ballad.". Fine melodies though, this song reminds me of "Renaissance", "Mostly Autumn", "Yes" of course and again "Floyd". And even if this song is very pleasant I can't really feel overwhelmed by this lack in personality. But this was already the case with their first album and I guess that there are little chances that the band would ever drastically evolve in a more creative direction .

IMHHO, the best songs are the short ones. But they only last for about ten minutes.In all, it is a good album (as were the previous four ones from the band). Three stars. I can't really see any metamorphosis here.