CHATEAU OBSCURE

Austrians Matter of Taste were established in 1996 in St. Peter am Ottersbach, near the Austrian-Slovenian borders, by multi-instrumentalist Franz Wetzelberger, bringing together no less than eight instrumentalists and seven lead- and backing vocalists.His aim was to perform his own compositions in an official form, mixing Classic Symphonic Rock with Melodic Rock and Classical Music.The first album of the group was entitled ''Chateau obscure'' and was privately released in 1996.

Actually the sound of the band flirts more with Neo Prog than the typical Symphonic Rock sound, though some nice string parts and grandiose piano themes are present.Listening to the first few tracks you are ready to face an excellent Prog release.Long, elaborate arrangements with expressive vocals, strong guitar lines, hooking melodies, bombastic synths and a fair amount of more Classical-inspired parts offer a great experience of energetic Neo Prog along the lines of INES, CASINO or AMON RA.After the interesting ballad ''Soon'', which sounds like a mix of Hard Rock and Rock Opera, the quality of the album seems to drop a bit with Matter of Taste sounding more like a AOR group.''Nightkiller'' is absolutely dull with forgettable music and horrendous vocal parts, while ''Meadows of fauns'' sounds instrumentally a bit plastic and closer to DON AIREY's ''K2'' album.''Resurrection song'' is a decent closer.Based on Beethoven's melodies, the tracks offers a delicate, romantic atmosphere with warm vocals before the groovy ending, characterized by nice organ, guitar melodies and piano.

What started as a real winner, ended up being a rather incosistent album.Still the final taste is quite positive with the first few tracks being from fine to excellent.A recommended obscurity.