MASS MEDIA STARS

This is such a catchy and melodic album that is played at a very high level and includes vocals in English from Bernardo Lanzetti. I don't even detect an accent which might be because at 14 years of age he spent a year living in Texas, then a few years later he would go back for another 6 months. He knows the English language well. I'm surprised he doesn't have a Southern drawl though (haha). He does kind of warble when he sings which I find amusing. It reminds me of the vocalist on the SPLIT ENZ debut. Mellotron on 4 of the 6 tracks doesn't hurt.

"Cosmic Mind Affair" sounds good when it kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes. The keyboards sound amazing 2 minutes in and check out the vocals that follow. Guitar after 2 1/2 minutes. A calm before 5 minutes then it kicks back in one more time. I must admit I tired of this song very quickly. "Bar Gazing" has acoustic guitar and vocals reminding me of GENESIS. It kicks in after 2 minutes. Some nice intricate electric guitar around 3 minutes. Harmonies follow. I like it !

"Mass-Media Stars" has so much going on here early on. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in and i'm really reminded of YES on this one including the guitar. "Opening Act" opens with vocals only then the music and vocal melodies follow. Harmonies and vocals are next and themes are repeated on this one. "Professor" opens with the guitar and drums standing out. Vocals a minute in and it's uptempo.Tempo changes will continue to be contrasted. "Coffee Song" ends it in a great way after two so-so tunes. Intricate guitar to start then the vocals take over as the guitar is strummed. Mellotron joins in. The bass and drums become prominant. Beautiful stuff. Love how he warbles here.

I'm glad I took a chance on this one but I do prefer the debut. 3.5 stars.