REDEMPTION

My first foray into the band Mystery was with their last studio album 'Lies and Butterflies'. After that I soon collected the Mystery back catalogue in full. What did I find? A band that is solid, tight, atmospheric and intelligent lead by the talents of Michel St. Pere. Now they have released their new album 'Redemption'. This new release just doesn't follow my previous points, it exemplifies them. As with all bands the rhythm section is the foundation, Francois Fournier and Jean-Sebastien Goyette playing the bass and drums respectively are the enduring stability in this regard. Antoine Michaud on keyboards produces the cinematic, musical pieces backing the mood and story. Band leader Michel St. Pere and Sylvain Moineau both on guitars electrifying us with their exquisite soloing and bolstering those heartfelt passages. Front man Jean Pageau on vocals, flute and keyboards brings his diverse talent and showmanship to the fore enticing the audience to join and share the experience.

The album opens with 'Behind the Mirror', a solid opener where the atmosphere permeates introducing us to the feel in respect to the rest of the album. This feel supports the title track, 'Redemption' where the lyrics describe and question past decisions and acts that we may regret. I always love a title that plays with words such as third track, 'The Beauty and the Least'. This is the first epic running just over 9 minutes. Of course Mystery is never short of epic songs, this album also includes 'Pearls and Fire' at 13 minutes and the closing song, 'Is This How The Story Ends?' at just over 19 minutes.

The ballads of this album include 'Every Note' and 'My Inspiration'. Both showing a delicate edge. 'Every Note' combines the music note with the note of the heart and soul highlighting the anguish and yearning of love. A passionate and serene flute playing from Jean is superb about mid-way through this song.

Every song is a strong nourishment of feelings with story, composition and outright musical talent. A Mystery album is about being immersed in a journey of musical delight.