MIND COLOURS

I came across this quartet two years ago due to a promo EP containing two songs, which both made it on this album btw. Ettore Salati (guitars) and Fabio Mancini (keyboards) were former members of symphonic prog outfit THE WATCH featuring Simone Rossetti, the charismatic singer/front man. Initially the impression came up, that SOULENGINE are standing for an intersection between jazz fusion and symphonic. However, after listening to the entire album now, I'd say the focus is on the latter obviously. Overall I find the songs a bit straighter and rockier than what I've heard from THE WATCH repertoire, which shows clear Genesis references as a trademark and manifests them as brilliant tribute players by the way.

So besides the few relations I've mentioned, the SOULENGINE band is a rather independent affair, to make it clear. The opener Polheim belongs to their very early material - okay, the guitar appears Hackett reminiscent, but Giacomo Pacini's drum playing on the other hand has a significant jazzy drive. Overall this song bears great dynamics, is an excellent introduction. Rain Flower comes from the same direction. Even if we can enjoy a nice guitar solo here, this is more keyboard focussed though, while utilizing multiple instruments, including Rhodes piano. And again - counting in the following On The Other Side - this points to the already mentioned jazzy touch.

The sentimental ballad Asleep comes with vocal contributions by Joe Sal and finally Challenge To An End closes the album as the awaited long-distance runner. I would say this pretentious flow brings them close to Genesis respectively Big Big Train now, rich in melody and mellotron. Davide Gandino has a guest appearance on flute. My favourite tune here, so much feeling, spirit. With 'Mind Colours' they have put an entertaining debut on the table, (nearly) instrumental symphonic basically, featuring some jazz fusion leanings to realize anyhow. Recommended!