A CHILD IN THE MIRROR

Ciccada plays a symphonic-prog that is actually quite refreshing. In an era where there are so many cookie-cutter acts and bands that do nothing but hedge to their idols, it's nice to see someone out there trying new things. They incorporate many instruments into their sound, xylophone, clarinet, flute, and I'm sure some more that I was unable to pull from the music. The vocals are female, which gives the whole record a haunting beauty that pairs well with the alternative instruments quite well. They merge the classic style of progressive rock (King Crimson, Gentle Giant, etc) with a Jethro Tull-esq melody, and each song that is in English (there are a couple that are in Greek) are wonderful.

There seems to be a bit of an underlying theme here, but I'm not getting it. I am just enjoying the album jumping from symphonic-medieval rock into smash-your-face heavy metal, it's all inter-spliced very well and moves together very nicely. I wish there was something more to point out, a song or two that stands out from the pack or a particularly intricate section or melody, but the whole album is so superb that it's just not possible. I will say that "An Endless Sea" is their most metallic song, but even then woodwinds are incorporated so the simple beauty is never lost.

From the first song to the last, Ciccada's A Child In The Mirror by Ciccada is something special. Their collection of symphonic elements blend excellently with their progressive tendencies, all the way from simple rock to heavy metal. The concept of haunting beauty is never lost, it even never waivers. This is an album for most anyone, be you progressive fans or not. I have several female friends that are always trying to get into progressive rock and heavy metal, but have thus far not had an easy way to get a foothold on that mountain. I think Ciccada is that starting point, something that anyone could enjoy and use as a jumping off point, either into more prog or in taking a baby-step into the world of heavy metal. Seriously great, and if this is at the number three spot in the Prog Archives list for 2010, I can't wait to hear what the silver medalist, Haken, has to offer.