BEYOND REALITY

This is the only Cast album I own, and it does not whet my appetite for other acquisitions. The group consists of very talented players who seem to really want to produce quality music with feeling, but most of "Beyond Reality" collapses under the weight of excess instrumentation and emotional burnout. Almost the whole recording is "up". The concept of contrast and subtlety is practiced only briefly within songs, other than the beautiful "The Mirror's House: Mercato" and the heartfelt ballad "Transparent Symbols". It's a shame because singer Francisco Hernandez has a very strong voice that is not properly showcased, and some good melodies are wasted.

This album by Cast would have benefited from a trimming down, and application of the concept that sometimes, nay, often, less is more.