THE MAD MONK AND THE MOUNTAIN

I am no regular reviewer here, but just couldnt help writing up something after listening to this pleasing album. I discovered this album a couple of months back in this archives, reading some promising review. Then I sampled this one out (sorry Mr Masson), and after a couple of spin i am convinced this would be a good buy. Like other more competent reviewers have mentioned, Masson's guitar sounds obviously similar to M Oldfield's, though i have to say MM&M has a bit more of a guitar hero approach than most albums by M Oldfield. The two tracks with vocals are wonderfully executed, with the first one far darker than the third track. Other instrumentals are also great, with special mention to Tilting at Windmills. The epic finale, although already interesting, could use some editing. As also mentioned before, the drums are all programmed. This is a big let down for this otherwise great prog album that is worthy in any prog collection. I would say that if Mr Masson will opt to ask the fans to finance his album (like Spock's Beard), with proper drummers and all, I'd gladly pour in £15. summary: 3 stars for production.