SOUNDS OF IMAGINATION

In 1994 another self-released work from Cast appeared, entitled ''Sounds of Imagination'', containing a full hour of Neo/Symphonic Rock music.This fact strengthened the rumor that the material of the band's first albums was actually compositions written during Cast's long absence from discography between the years 1978 and 1994.

While ''Sounds of Imagination'' holds strong similarities with the band's debut ''Landing in a Serious Mind'', the tracks are more conveincing and definitely fully symphonic-oriented, containing nice arrangements, proggy breaks and fine instrumental themes.Again GENESIS and MARILLION are the most obvious influences and the album offers twelve satisfying compositions with great keyboard parts and sufficient guitar work.A few of them still present a bit of AOR-oriented vibes in the vein of SAGA, especially in the synth parts, but even these are exposed with a very symphonic and grandiose approach.The vocals of Dino Brassea are theatrical, expressive and intense, much in the vein of FISH, and the music offers some really interesting moments, based on smooth TONY BANKS-like organ themes, careful guitar melodies, deep synthesizers.And while the album lacks any kind of monster compositions, the truth is that all of them are far from weak and often even flirt with the top-notch level.

Great second round by Cast.Smooth and well-developed Neo/Symphonic Prog with emphasis on keyboards, an album of decent value for all fans of the style.Warmly recommended.

Cast from Mexico is without doubt one of the most prolific symphonic/neo prog band in last 30 years in this field. As I said before and said again Cast is an under rated band for sure, they participated and revive '90 prog scene by releasing some more then respected albums since then. With all that they have moderate succes to public and I wonder why, their music is passionate, intresting, complex, melodic all the ingredients are here.

Sounds of imagination is the second release issued in 1994 and from this one on they become a prolific band releasing 2 even 3 albums in a year. As previous output this is another fine little Marillion/Genesis inspired music with some mexican prog Nazca or Iconoclasta added in the mix, memorable moments from start to finish. Everything is around of truly top keyboard player Luis Alfonso " Poncho" Vidales, one of the most overlooked keyboard players ever.

The instrumental sections are great, symphonic prog very well melted with some neo prog momenets here and there. I like a lot the bands vintage sound, it was impossible to sound for 1994 year but after a small research everything was clear, the first 7 pieces were recorded in 1985.The keybords were constructed in combination with the rest of the instruments, creating a fine symphonic/neo prog sound. I'm not bothered by the voice like others said, ok the vocal passages are not the main attraction here, but are well sung and has it's moments of beauty. Now the instrumental pieces and instrumental sections are truly great, each musician offers his best moves nice and intresting little pieces with lots of keybords, inventive drums and brilliant guitars. The album goes in this direction from start to finish, plenty of memorable moments, musicianship is top notch so no complains from me. Pieces like Dragon's Attack or lets say A Run In The Rain are more then ok like the rest. The vocal passages are theaterical recalling the best of some french neo prog bands of the era, aswell dutch neo prog.

I was very pleasent surprised about Cast music for many years now, being one of my fav bands ever regardless of genre, 3.5 stars easy for Sounds of imagination. They need a far more more recognition, much better then many well know bands from this realm.