CONTRA-MANTRA

As the history of this band goes back to the 70's, it's no wonder that their 2005 release has a certain vintage sound to it; with 70's AOR/hard rock as the foundation.

However, Jim Johnston - who mostly made this album on his own due to former members not interested in participating - has seen to it to add quite a few elements to these compositions resulting in a somewhat eclectic collection of tunes.

Opening tune Anthem and fourth track Doing It the Hard Way are both epic tunes stretching beyond the 10 minute mark, the first of these vintage progressive rock US style and the second a pomp-rock tinged tune with ambient-tinged electronic passages inserted; and in fact dominating this creation.

The rest of these song all have additional elements to them too - from keyboard layers in true pomp rock style to ambient-tinged electronic segments - and there's even a ballad finishing this release off, evolving from a mellow acoustic guitar piece to a purebred 70's majestic pomp rock creation.

Overall an enjoyable and fascinating album, especially for fans of vintage US-based AOR/pomp rock.