MOONSADNESS

This debut is actually the zenith for Moongarden, and the only album where they could actually be considered symphonic or compared to their original inspiration, Camel. I cannot give it a higher rating because it is barely longer than an EP, and the lengthiest track is not very cohesive.

The two highlights are both top-notch, the energetic and optimistic "Breaking Mirrors", and the sublime ballad "Seagulls". The latter in particular is a genre buster for its gentle teary vocal almost spoken at times, with spare but lovely instrumental backing, and its lengthy minimalist guitar solo which follows the main vocal section. This track hinted at the hitherto unfulfilled potential of Moongarden.

Subsequent albums, unfortunately, steered toward the spaced out and/or plodding approach of bands on the fringes of prog, those who understand the technique but prefer to check their real emotions at the door of the studio. So Moongarden now exists more in the realm of the Porcupine Trees, Radioheads, and RPWLs of this world, with a few laudatory nods to David Sylvian, but not much else of note. Pity. If you are going to explore Moongarden, do start here.