REDEMPTION

Long time reader of this forum as I have always enjoyed researching and viewing others opinions on my eclectic heroes. However THIS release has such a hold on me that I decided to finally register and offer my views rather than just take! My first Mystery tune that grabbed my attention was Beauty and the Least which intrigued me enough to dive deeper and discover the mother lode. And what an offering. Jean Pageaus vox is the honey that initially drew me in, and the band together has a sense of melody and harmony which brings an instant connection for the listener. But then with each listen, further layers are peeled. The symphonic keys, the flute, the guitar breaks, the off kilter rhythm section which has a life of its own. Each track has its own sound. Nothing seems repetitive. Even the two ballads, which could have loaded up on saccharine, have enough punch and musicianship to make them growers. Behind The Mirror is a great intro and would be worth seeing live. Redemption is an emotive tour de force (and the earworm of the album) and Homecoming is a different style again which I love more with each listen. Pearls and Fire is compelling; this could have been how Styx would have sounded if they followed their prog rather than their pop. Pageau definitely getting his De Young sound, but without the bombast. Is This How The Story Ends? OMG. How to finish off an album leaving us wanting more. 4/5 songs rolled into one, atmospheric keys, some stellar guitar breaks, one in particular with a jazz/blues feel played over a gorgeous bass beat. And 5 mins from the end a haunting stark vocal before the run home. I kept trying to liken my new found heroes to some of my long termers: Dream Theatre, Marillion, Rush with a singer who shows shades of Geddy, DeYoung and occasionally early Plant but I realise none is totally true. This sound is of itself. And in that regard, my favourite release of 2023; the greatest Mystery is how I never knew of this band before now. Thank God For Algorithms...