THEATRE OF THE MIND

What immediately strikes the listener while hearing this full length debut by the Canadian band Mystery is just how similar it is to Journey. The lead vocals of Gary Savoie are uncannily similar to those of Steve Perry of said band, but the similarities do not end with the vocals. Mystery's music is perhaps slightly more progressive than that of classic Journey, but if the latter had taken a more progressive turn in the late 70's and early 80's, they actually could have sounded precisely like this. Indeed, if I didn't know better, I could easily have thought that this is Journey! If you like the idea of a more progressive version of Journey, this (and especially the next) album by Mystery is for you. Personally, I enjoy classic Journey, especially the Infinity album, and this appreciation does extend to Mystery's Theatre Of The Mind.

But even if this is high-quality music, it is not particularly original or unique, nor is it purely progressive. If this was the sole album by Mystery, some Prog-fans would perhaps wonder what this band even does on this site. But there are in fact several progressive elements already here (that would become even more pronounced on the band's next album Destiny?). The progressive elements are mostly concentrated to the longer tracks like Black Roses and the title track. There is an appealing mix here between ballads and rockers, and between electric and acoustic instruments (including some lovely flutes). It is well written, well performed, and well recorded. There are some nice brief instrumental interludes between the vocal numbers. I enjoy this!

Recommended, but not essential

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