THE MIRROR EFFECT

It was 2005 exactly when Guilherme da Luz (synthesizer) and head of department Manuel Cardoso (lead guitars) had released the last album under the previous moniker TANTRA. Now more than 15 years later those portuguese fellows supposedly took a rather easy way, just going into reverse. At first when it comes to the band name obviously. In between it sounds like some vocals are presented in backward mix. And then, in consequence, also regarding the album title if you will. Anyway, moreover they were successful in putting a new six-piece team together, which guarantees challenging compositions, a lush sound, and stellar female vocals. And so this happens to be a one hour lasting rollercoaster affair actually, when considering the general eclectic approach.

I mean just take the adventurous song couple Eternal Dance Of Love and Return To OM which has so much to offer. The unpredictable flow, wonderful guitar presence. Keyboards are greatly classical and symphonic tinged. Sara Freitas shines with Kate Bush similar and slightly opera styled vocals, on top in multiple languages. Then sometimes the overall sound reminds me of the prominent and lively early Yes times. All of this is summed up finally in The Dramatic Beauty Of Life - the name says it all. Great inspiration! 'The Mirror Effect' is an album brimfull of thriving moments. Other similar bands which come into my mind are Spirits Burning, Molassess, just for a proper orientation. A surprising sonic exploration, please check this out!

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Posted Sunday, March 7, 2021 | Review this album | Report (Review #2521646)

The six-piece formation Artnat is founded by Manuel Cardoso who was leader of the known prog band Tantra, from Portugal, formed in 1976 and disbanded in 1981, after the albums Mistérios E Maravilhas (1977), Holocausto (1978) and Humanoid Flesh (1981). In 1998 Tantra was reformed and released the ... (read more)

Report this review (#2545797) | Posted by TenYearsAfter | Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | Review Permanlink

ARTNAT is a Portuguese group founded by two of the members of TANTRA living musically from 1977 to 2005, known as distilling complex symphonic notes ranging from prog rock to jazz rock and dinosaur sounds namely YES, CAMEL, ELP and especially KING CRIMSON for the typical sound of the guitar. A j ... (read more)

Report this review (#2541969) | Posted by alainPP | Tuesday, May 11, 2021 | Review Permanlink

Review #4 This album is special in more ways than one. On the one hand, it is my first Portuguese band to listen to. On the other hand, we are dealing with a highly interesting release, which I would now like to go into more detail. The music on "The Mirror Effect" can be described as a mixture ... (read more)

Report this review (#2525873) | Posted by Smurfreviews | Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | Review Permanlink

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