Magenta

Dirk wrote: necromancing777 wrote: I actually find I enjoy Magenta more than say, Mostly Autumn, when it comes to female prog outfits. Magenta is more to my liking, and I didn't care much for Mostly Autumn's new album, Storms of Still Water either. Actually "Storms" is easily the worst Mostly autumn album so that is not a fair comparision,I don't think Mostly autumn and Magenta should be compared at all because Magenta is much more complex than Mostly autumn. I know "Seven" from Magenta and i still don't have a definite opinion on it. Due to the crystal clear vocals it seems like an easy album but it isn't.

Perhaps it isn't fair to compare Magenta's Seven with Mostly Autumn's Storms Over Still Water. However, I feel Mostly Autumn IS fully capable of creating intricate symphonic prog, but they are perhaps at a point where they feel mainstream appeal may be the only way of bringing aboard new fans. For a prog band, I feel that the opposite is true (ex: Dream Theatre's latest album may be bringing in new non-prog fans, but also losing older prog purists). Maybe we can expect a Fish/Heather Findlay duet on the next Mostly Autumn album.  

IMO, Magenta are interested in continuing with symphonic prog music, while at the same time expanding their fan base. Perhaps this is a commerical risk. Maybe Mostly Autumn has the right idea in simplifying their musical style for broader appeal (non-prog fans).

But IMO, after watching Magenta'sThe Gathering and Mostly Autumn's V Shows, that musically, Magenta has the chops to be a symphonic juggernaut for years to come.

Dirk wrote: I agree with you that mostly autumn's albums before "storms" are very good (with exception of the Tolkien album), they are one of my favourite bands. For me the jury's still out on Magenta, it's not as accessible as Mostly autumn so it needs more listens.

Magenta's next album, Home (due out this year), will certainly be the Litmus test. If it doesn't build on their previous sound and is less adventurous than Seven, perhaps they are headed down the wrong road.  I wouldn't be too surprised if the album was more mellow with shorter songs, not unlike the direction Mostly Autumn has taken. But I'm still waiting for their symphonic prog masterpiece...here's hoping Home will be it.

Jim Garten wrote: The only Magenta I own (have heard) is 'Revolutions' - whilst I love the musicianship (I don't care if they wear their influences on their sleeves, they're good influences), I have to say I find the lyrics laughable - don't get me wrong, I think she has a fine voice, it's just a shame she has to sing such trite rubbish. Just my opinion, you understand...

You're probably referring to the song "Man the Machine". Yes, the lyrics are very trite and ridiculous on that one!  Some of the lyrics in "Children of the Sun" I thought were corny too. However, like you said, I can look pass this because of the great musicianship. The lyrics on Seven are free from fluff IMO.

limeyrob wrote: I have been listening to Seven for a while now and think it is one stunning album - apart from the flipping drumming (I'd like to use other adjectives, but I am trying to control myself!!). They really spoil it for me. I'm referring to the snare drum here. Not only does it sound unimaginative, tinny and cheap, compared to the rich music of the other instruments, but they are also mixed appalingly and dominate too much. My nerves jar every time it beats. Otherwise this album would be in my top 50. What were the other band members thinking of when they let this through? Anyway that's my opinion FWIW

Interesting.I've read similar criticisms of Paul Cook on 'Ever'.I don't mind it personally.Both albums would be in my all time top fifty.