MAGIC WORLD

This debut from Finnish act Riveryman could have been so much better.

Although not innovative in style, the heavily Genesis-influenced variety of symphonic rock present on this album is charming. Simplistic explorations with a strong focus on moods and atmospheres, lots of guitar soloing of the gentler variety in vocal as well as instrumental passages, and floating keyboard layers in the back of the mix - with the odd use of organ at times. This is pretty vintage-sounding neo progressive rock. Spiced up with some shredding in the soloing department and a few instances of riff patterns with slight metal edges to them, a bit of variety is thown in as well, and the songs are generally charming.

However, the vocals are not good. Flat, lifeless, slightly atonal and accented - and rarely even close to being in tune with the melody. And as most of these compositions are marked by many vocal and few instrumental passages, this pretty much ruins what might have been an enjoyable affair.

Neo fans not concerned about vocal performance should enjoy this one though, others are adviced to check out samples of the album before considering purchasing this venture.