MARYSON

Right after this annoying "opener" (the actual opener is a short instrumental) we get a great example of the stunning part. Impressive keys by the same Mr. Maryson turn the feeling around for me and in fact these switches go on for the entire 68 minute release. Just as you think it's simply a poor effort by Dutch amateurs (caused by lyrics and vocals) you get tossed 180 degrees in opinion by marvelous instrumental contributions. Not just by Maryson with his excellent keyboardplay but also by a great Chris van Hoogdalem on guitar and as icing on the cake Dutch prog hero Thijs van Leer (Focus) with fantastic and enchanting flute passages.

So that leaves me doing a bit of maths for the overall rating. It's 2/3 * 4,5 (stars) added with 1/3 * 2,5 resulting in 3,83 which we can safely round up to 4 stars. Because the concept works very well despite the lyrics which well, let's say simply don't work for me. If you make lyrics about a magician you'd better do it as Rush did it in 1975 with The Necromancer. These lyrics are captivating and intriguing but the lyrics on this album sound a bit childish and therefore cheesy. But in the end the instrumental bits and pieces are so wonderful that this wins the internal battle/struggle for me and make me decide for the four stars. I'm curious what other Prog Reviewers would make of this one. Anybody ?

I give to this album just 3 stars because im a fan of the Neo-Prog, but racomanded if you are in the vein of early Genesis with a touch of Yes

=^..^=LCAT