SOUNDS OF IMAGINATION

Cast from Mexico is without doubt one of the most prolific symphonic/neo prog band in last 30 years in this field. As I said before and said again Cast is an under rated band for sure, they participated and revive '90 prog scene by releasing some more then respected albums since then. With all that they have moderate succes to public and I wonder why, their music is passionate, intresting, complex, melodic all the ingredients are here.

Sounds of imagination is the second release issued in 1994 and from this one on they become a prolific band releasing 2 even 3 albums in a year. As previous output this is another fine little Marillion/Genesis inspired music with some mexican prog Nazca or Iconoclasta added in the mix, memorable moments from start to finish. Everything is around of truly top keyboard player Luis Alfonso " Poncho" Vidales, one of the most overlooked keyboard players ever.

The instrumental sections are great, symphonic prog very well melted with some neo prog momenets here and there. I like a lot the bands vintage sound, it was impossible to sound for 1994 year but after a small research everything was clear, the first 7 pieces were recorded in 1985.The keybords were constructed in combination with the rest of the instruments, creating a fine symphonic/neo prog sound. I'm not bothered by the voice like others said, ok the vocal passages are not the main attraction here, but are well sung and has it's moments of beauty. Now the instrumental pieces and instrumental sections are truly great, each musician offers his best moves nice and intresting little pieces with lots of keybords, inventive drums and brilliant guitars. The album goes in this direction from start to finish, plenty of memorable moments, musicianship is top notch so no complains from me. Pieces like Dragon's Attack or lets say A Run In The Rain are more then ok like the rest. The vocal passages are theaterical recalling the best of some french neo prog bands of the era, aswell dutch neo prog.

I was very pleasent surprised about Cast music for many years now, being one of my fav bands ever regardless of genre, 3.5 stars easy for Sounds of imagination. They need a far more more recognition, much better then many well know bands from this realm.