GANDALF'S PROJECT

Insights by Gandalf's Project really had one of those openers that every album wished they had: "Grey Rain" just knocked me off my feet as ultimate epic, from the thunder crash to the vivid synths mixed with swirling pans and good use of narration; Gandalf's Project immediately throws the listener into an uncanny dreamscape. Songs like "Imaginary Landscapes" present a great balance between eerie, somber and sweet, while tracks like "India's Secret" throw in the grooves that really make you move. Like Aszension, Insights has a bit of a rock guitar album feel but with so many extra touches that it becomes something that goes far beyond the guitar. There are so many great moods on this record which always come enhanced by nice electronic ethnic feeling drumming, pretty arpeggiators, and really wicked synth bass. Haunting, dreamy, and funky are some of the words that come to mind when I listen to Insights. And for the guitar fans, you even get some cool shredding. Check out "Colored Waves," it's truly a highlight of the album.

Keyboard and guitar and the main focuses here, with the programmed rhythm section forming the skeleton for the melodic themes and lead work present throughout. Highlights for me are "Imaginary Landscapes," "Sintesi," and "Flying." For those interested in generally lighter, instrumental neo-progressive rock, Insights by Galdalf's Porject (unlike the Balrog) shall pass.

"Grey Rain" Thunder and spoken word open the album.

"Imaginary Landscapes" Guitars and light synthesizer give the impression of a quiet storm at nightfall. Very melodic, this piece is quite easy and a pleasure to follow.

"Seashore" A semi-bluesy piece made for guitar soloing, "Seashore" remains hazy and unwaveringly repetitive.

"India's Secret" As the title implies, this has some Indian style percussion and instrumentation. Spacious keyboards and an eventual lead guitar soon take over completely. Heavy drumming and robotic noises then take over from there, followed by a 1980's Rush synth-laden heavy rock excursion, followed by a bit of light metal. A disjointed track, "India's Secret" at least shows the band's stylistic variety.

"Sintesi" A simple piano melody presents the main theme before the rest of the instruments come crashing through. I like the unexpected rhythmic diversions. Although the drums during the middle section are very unconvincing, the keyboard work is good and fitting.

"Flying" This track sounds like its name suggests, full of brisk passages. It is an odd but not unpleasant fusion of electronic, R&B, and symphonic elements.

"Walking" An odd, spacey interlude led by piano, there almost sounds like there's a click track in the background of this one.

"Stolen Innocence" Heavy piano initially with thick synthesizers entering sooner after, this piece could have been the background for a 1980s Journey song.

"Coloured Waves" Speaking of Journey, this track would not have been out of place on one of Neal Schon's 1990s guitar instrumental solo records.

"Infinite Lactean Seashore" A strange title to be sure, but the beginning is thick and smooth like cream. Had this been the only piece one heard, one could be forgiven for assuming Gandalf's Project was a post-rock outfit.