VOYAGE INTO A DREAMER'S MIND

Pluto was the moniker displayed by Norwegian multi-instrumentalist/singer Petter Espen Guthe, an enigmatig figure of the early-80's Scandinavian Prog scene.He recorded his debut with the help of drummer Gunnar Berg-Nielsen, vocalist Rune Mangen (both from the obscure Norwegian act Zarathustra]), while the first cut is sung by vocalist Wenche Kjærstad.'''Voyage Into a Dreamer's Mind'', released on the Norwegian label Strawberry, was recorded under hard circumastances in Baerum using an 8-track tape recorded, while Espen had borrowed instruments from his friends' circle.

It was worth putting up these strong efforts by Espen, as his album is a great example of romantic and smooth Symphonic Rock with evident 70's references.Do not expect of course any furious interplays and rich instrumental themes, as Espen based his compositions around melodic themes, floating keyboards and sensitive vocal parts and the album has a unique GENESIS/CAMEL flavor all the way, supported by several folky references.Soft arrangements with alternating acoustic and electric textures, characterized by several HACKETT/PHILLIPS/LATIMER-like guitar plagiarisms and some great TONY BANKS-like synth flights.Additionally the album features a fair amount of nice Mellotron sounds in a few tracks, while the short instrumental fillers are swirling either around Folk themes or 80's Electronics, resulting to some beautiful soundscapes.Eventually Espen came up with a pallette of symphonic atmospheres full of imaginary musicianship and lovely arrangements.

Great and unknown Symphonic Rock release from Norway.Grab a copy even if it is a bit expensive, any fan of Classic Progressive Rock in unlikely to regret it.Stronly recommended...3.5 stars.