Magenta
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Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Music Lounge
Forum Description: General progressive music discussions
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=20883
Printed Date: November 01 2024 at 19:22
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Topic: Magenta
Posted By: necromancing777
Subject: Magenta
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 12:26
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Does anybody else here like Magenta? IMO they are one of the BEST new symphonic-prog bands right now! If you're not familiar with them, check out this link (it's very informative): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magenta_%28band%29 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magenta_%28band%29 Magenta at the CRS Awards:
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"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Replies:
Posted By: mjf85maf
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 14:43
| I'm not sold on Magenta yet. I bought "Revolutions", "Seven" and the "Broken" ep, and have given each one a good number of spins. Nothing's jumping out at me yet -- you know, that one song or that one little fragment that catches on with you and draws you in. Any ideas or suggestions? |
Posted By: Hierophant
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 14:47
Those guys are a band??? ------------- 
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Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 15:02
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If you already have those discs, then I would suggest getting their DVDThe Gathering. All the songs are performed better live IMO. The guitar and vocals shine in this performance for sure. Stand out tracks for me are: "King of the Skies", "The White Witch" and "Pride". You know, it's strange...I kind of gave up on them too, but for some reason I was drawn back to Magenta after I saw Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe in the theatres. I was reminded of the track "The White Witch" after seeing the movie and it just took off from there. Then I boughtThe Gathering DVD and Another Time, Another Place live album as well. They also have a new studio album coming in 2006, titled Home. 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. Just keep listening, Magenta is bound to please.
A fine band indeed! -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
mjf85maf wrote:
Posted By: mjf85maf
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 15:10
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Storms Over Still Water isn't knocking me out either. I've always had a thing for female fronted bands, and I imagine that this will catch up with me sooner or later. Passengers took a few listens, too. Karnataka drew me in right away. Guess I'll try and track down that DVD... |
Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 15:14
I don't think you'll be disappointed withThe Gathering DVD. Especially if you enjoy "watching" female fronted bands. -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 15:29
I've thought numerous times about getting Seven, but keep forgetting to.  Would you mind giving me similar bands?  ------------- http://soundcloud.com/drewagler" rel="nofollow - My soundcloud. Please give feedback if you want! |
Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 15:54
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Surely! Magenta: I'd first get Revolutions and Seven. If you like those, then check outThe Gathering DVD. http://www.magenta-web.com/ - http://www.magenta-web.com/ Mostly Autumn: Passengers and Catch the Spirit (a two disc "best-of" collection). Then if you like those, go for Storms Over Still Water. They also have some great in concert DVDs available. http://www.mostly-autumn.com/ - http://www.mostly-autumn.com/ Karnataka: They add a certain celtic/world music flavor to their sound, more than prog I would say. But the haunting melodies and music do reference prog in many ways. Storms or Delicate Flame of Desire. They also have a live DVD, but it's hard to get nowadays. http://www.karnataka.34sp.com/new/indexb.htm - http://www.karnataka.34sp.com/new/indexb.htm Glass Hammer: very "prog" in the Yes/Genesis sense. Check out Lex Rex, Shadowlands and the latest, Inconsolable Secrets (with artwork by Roger Dean of Yes fame). They also have a DVD Lex Live which is worth checking out. http://www.glasshammer.com/index.html - http://www.glasshammer.com/index.html If you like your prog with female vocals, these are four good bands to start with. -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 16:10
| I've only heard "Seven" so far, but it's an excellent album and I would recommend it to any fans of modern prog, especially if you like female vocals. |
Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 16:19
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A related suggestion, if you like a "heavier" sound, you may enjoy these femme metal/female fronted metal bands as well: The Gathering (the actual band; not to be confused with the Magenta DVD of the same name), Nightwish, Within Temptation, Lacuna Coil and Epica. I always found it strange that in the 1970's, besides Renaissance and Curved Air, no real female fronted prog bands existed. -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
I think that's why modern bands like Magenta and Mostly Autumn are important in the prog world. Posted By: eugene
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 16:27
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I've got Seven. I acquired it after reading some good reviews on this site. The album disappointed me big time. I find very little interesting in it, and nothing new whatsoever. Female vocal on it is very ordinary one. Composition, although being long are not complex enough, melodies are rather primitive and simple. I cannot even brand this album "typical Neo-prog", as typical Neo-prog is much better. I don't know, Seven is supposed to be their best. If so - I am not interested in this band anymore... It might be good though for fans of Mostly Autumn and Karnataka. ------------- carefulwiththataxe |
Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 16:35
Hmmm....I guess we can agree to disagree. All I can say is, check out Magenta'sThe Gathering DVD for all the non-believers! Also, check out erik neuteboom's review of it in this great thread: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=20855&PN=1 - http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=20855& amp;PN=1 -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Posted By: eugene
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 16:53
If I by chance come across the DVD you mentionned, I'll give it a spin, and, you never know, my opinion about this band might change, but I will not chase it, that's for sure... Erik Neuteboom's review was probably the one I read (amongst others) before I bought Seven. So what? It shows you that tastes differ and nothing else. If Erik and you and hundreds of other people like this album - it's good for them - enjoy. Unfortunatly I cannot share your excitement about it, and consider this purchase as waste of my money. And, really, we don't have to agree to disagree, really, we do not have to, we can just disagree, really, I guess, not a big problem.... ------------- carefulwiththataxe |
Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 18:04
I suppose I sound like a promoter from the band's record label. -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Posted By: ShrinkingViolet
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 18:12
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Have tried Magenta sometime ago and for me it didnt really grasp me , for me at times it sounded like they were trying too much to sound Yes like. But i will give them ago again. as for mostly autumn they are one of the finest bands around today . *p.s * did anyone know that Fish is dating the lovely heather findlay but as i said i will give magenta another try ! ------------- I'm a Work Of Art..Too Perfect For Someone Like you.. |
Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 18:41
Wow! Thanks for the news Shrinking Violet. Indeed it is true.
http://home.hetnet.nl/~nickgielkens/who_mostly.htm - http://home.hetnet.nl/~nickgielkens/who_mostly.htm As a fellow fan of Mostly Autumn, please give Magenta another spin! -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Posted By: Fragile
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 18:53
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Very much so it is true and as much as I love the Fish man what does a stunning creature like Heather see in the old fella??? As for Mostly Autumn they are a very fine band. I saw them last week at Glasgow University and as a live act they are superb.If they are in your area go see them they are well worth the admission fee.And yes I do like what I've heard of Magenta. |
Posted By: Dirk
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 19:08
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.
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Posted By: White Feather
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 19:11
I never thought I`d say it ... Fish is one lucky man !  ------------- |
Posted By: Fragile
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 19:26
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And he bloody well is |
Heather is simply gorgeous.And a very fine singer.Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 21:28
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.
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"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Posted By: Dirk
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 21:51
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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. |
Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: March 28 2006 at 22:12
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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. -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Posted By: martinprog77
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 00:15
magenta really rules my heart .this is my favoryte band of the new milleniun .MAGENTA DONT MAKE MUSIC,MAKE ART ------------- Nothing can last there are no second chances. Never give a day away. Always live for today. |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 01:58
| I first saw Magenta at Progeny a few years back.They were the opening band but I was hooked almost immediately.Chrissie has a very beautifull voice and Rob writes excellent melodic prog with a nod or three towards Yes and Genesis.The musicians in the band are excellent especially Chris Fry who is a wonderfull guitarist.Anyone who hasn't seen this band live should make the effort whether they've heard any Magenta albums or not.And if you can't then I heartily recommend the DVD 'The Gathering'.This is one of the best out there.Utterly superb! |
Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 10:36
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Agreed! -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Posted By: Jim Garten
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 11:35
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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...
------------- 
Jon Lord 1941 - 2012 |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 13:22
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Rob Reed admits that one of his influences is the Sound Of Music so that may expalin the dodgy lyrics |
Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 14:49
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You're probably referring to the song "Man the Machine". Yes, the lyrics are very trite and ridiculous on that one! -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Posted By: limeyrob
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 15:32
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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 |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 16:33
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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. |
Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: March 29 2006 at 18:07
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I think that the Magenta albums are self-produced. I'd agree that sometimes they sound a little "thin", but the snare drum sound never bothered me at all. Actually, I find some of the production values on Mostly Autumn's records to be poor in spots too. -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Posted By: limeyrob
Date Posted: March 30 2006 at 16:16
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RichardH I regret to say that I have the very same feelings about Ever too (and most IQ's albums before Dark Matter) - a superb album spoiled. Again - just my opinion |
Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: April 01 2006 at 10:56
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I don't know if the drumming ever spoiled an album for me. For instance, on Genesis'Trespass, Mayhew doesn't measure up to what Collins would do in the future, but indeed his drumming is satisfactory on an otherwise great album IMO. -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Posted By: Politician
Date Posted: April 01 2006 at 11:03
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I think I'm in the minority here - I can find very few redeeming features in
MAGENTA's music. "Revolutions" for me is almost like a sarcastic parody of progressive rock, with interminable songs and suites that go nowhere, riffs lifted wholesale from 30-year-old records and laughable "conceptual" lyrics. "Seven" is slightly better, but it's still very dull and derivative neo-prog. At least on the live album, they sound like they're enjoying themselves, although this and (especially) the DVD convince me they're really would-be stadium rockers rather than anything I'd describe as progressive. |
Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: April 01 2006 at 11:19
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I think songs like King Of The Skies, I'm Alive, Broken and Call Me are stadium rockers, not really progressive. However, here's hoping their new album will be the prog masterpiece fans have been waiting for. We'll see... -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: April 01 2006 at 15:11
| I have to say I'm not optimistic about the new album having heard some of the tracks already.I'll always stick up for 'Seven' though.One of the best albums I've heard for years if not exactly 'progressive' in approach. |
Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: June 22 2006 at 17:23
After hearing the new album, 'Home', I'd have to agree with you.  To this point I still like 'Revolutions' and 'Seven' much better. However, the bonus disc 'New York Suite' is more enjoyable to listen to IMO. Maybe because of the longer compostions and the sound is a bit more "proggy".  -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Posted By: Forgotten Son
Date Posted: June 22 2006 at 18:40
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I 'm really enjoying Magenta's album. I've not heard any of their other albums, however glancing at some of the track lists makes me fearful that they've have fallen into the trap of making long tracks just for the sake of it like so many modern prog bands do. 'Home 'steers well clear of this. It actually reminds me of Marillion's Brave and Camel's Nude, in equal measure, rather than the bombastic Yes and Genesis influenced Prog that I'm led to believe is to be found on their previous discs. |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: June 23 2006 at 02:03
| I've got 'Home' on order.Hopefully should arrive any time! |
Posted By: Prog-jester
Date Posted: June 23 2006 at 07:12
I have "Seven",and it's stunning!!! 
I dislike YES,and I wasn't sure that I need the band which was described to me as a "YES rip-off"...Hell no!!!They're even better than YES!!!Christina is my favourite female singer,she has very touching and emotional voice...besides,she's so pretty .The "Confess" part in "Lust"(6.10-7.30) is probably the most listened place at the whole album...sometimes,when I feel depressed,I just listen this bit and it makes wanna live again!!!
"Sloth" and "Envy" are my favourite tracks - both simple but very melodical,well-written,arranged and performed.The beginning of "Gluttony" is one of the most YES-like bits I ever heard!..and I love it!!! |
Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: June 23 2006 at 07:28
I got it last week - the special edition with the New York Suite CD. It's excellent, I don't think you'll be disappointed Richard.
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Posted By: Politician
Date Posted: June 23 2006 at 11:46
| "Home" at least sees the band playing to its strengths for the first time - it makes me realise that Christina Murphy is actually a capable singer, and the musicianship is pretty competent too. However, their strength is seemingly for power ballads (with lyrics every bit as incisive as one would expect from, say, Whitney Houston) interspersed with occasional homages to late period Pink Floyd (especially "The Wall") to make it palatable to prog rock fans. |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: June 23 2006 at 17:47
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I've just got my ticket to see them 8 Sept at the Borderline in London. Anyone else going?
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Posted By: necromancing777
Date Posted: June 23 2006 at 21:39
A fantastic album for sure. Christina is not bad on the eyes either. Get their 'Gathering' DVD if you haven't already. You would be disappointed.
This is true, the lyrics are the weakest link in the new tunes I'm afraid to say. I don't know why Christina is not allowed to write her own lyrics? -------------
"Your progressive hypocrites hand out their trash, But it was mine in the first place, so I'll burn it to ash." |
Posted By: horza
Date Posted: June 24 2006 at 05:55
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I have 'Seven' which I really like - reminds me of the band Solstice (anyone know them?). ------------- Originally posted by darkshade: Calling Mike Portnoy a bad drummer is like calling Stephen Hawking an idiot. |