|
When I was a young fellow I foolishly thought I was smarter
than everyone else I ran into. The passing of many years has
shown me the error of my ways but there is one notion I had
as a young man that has proven to be correct and that is that
life can be unfair and that talent and hard work sometimes
go unrewarded. Now, you're reading this on a prog rock fan
site, aren't you? Does your favorite prog band get the attention
they deserve? Does the wider world even care about your favorite
style of music?***
Probably not, and that's the hurdle nearly every prog
band faces. Magrathea knows this all too well, yet here they
are again with another fine collection of symphonic rock,
the new release In Search Of The Crystal.***
The foundation of Magrathea's new music is much in the
same mold as that of their last disc Legends, released in
2004, but benefits from some quite noticeable growth in their
songwriting skills. Following in the footsteps of Genesis
both then and now, Magrathea's latest music is far less derivative
of the Charterhouse pioneers than their earlier releases.
If pressed on the point, I would probably now compare Magrathea
to early IQ, influenced by the Genesis sound, but with their
own compositional identity.***
Though they augment their lineup for the occasional live
appearance, Magrathea's new disc is, as before, the work of
only two men, Gary Gordon on guitar and bass and Glenn Alexander
behind the keyboards and the drum kit. With his slightly breathless
Phil Collins / Fish like set of pipes, Alexander also carries
the duties of lead vocalist.***
In addition to the band's maturing songwriting, both
band members already high level of musicianship seems to have
gotten even higher. Gordon's bass playing is better than ever,
as amply evidenced in the disc's opener "In Search Of The
Crystal" and "Into The Drink," and Alexander now seems able
to easily create almost impossible (and irresistible) rhythms,
to say nothing of his impressive abilities on the keyboards.
Unlike Legends, where the band front loaded the disc with
all their best (in my opinion) material, In Search Of The
Crystal spreads their strongest works throughout the album,
and there is no shortage of strong material to be found here.***
Beginning with the album's title track, Magrathea wastes
no time in establishing their bona fides as one of the best
progressive rock bands in England today. "In Search Of The
Crystal" boasts lush keyboards, gripping guitar and bass,
mercurial synthesizer leads and a ridiculously difficult,
yet seemingly effortless drum track. Its 6/4 time signature
(unusual even for prog rock) gives the listener the illusion
of flight. I can't imagine a better way to begin a musical
journey.***
One after another, Magrathea offers up an excellent set
of tunes. "Bug Eyed Monsters" blazes by at the speed of a
passing comet with power to spare. "Into The Drink" and "Interactive
Dreamers" are both formidable compositions, the later being
the band's first attempt (and a successful one) at an epic
length track. "Magician" and "Keeper Of Souls" give the listener
a brief respite from the relentless pace sustained on this
disc, but I would advise you to catch your breath quickly
and ready yourself for "Heaven Is Never Enough," the band's
paean to internecine warfare.***
As I alluded to earlier, Gary and Glenn have made good
use of the time since their last release. In every way I can
measure, In Search Of The Crystal is superior to Legends,
and as I recall it, Legends was a pretty good disc itself,
so………….***
Why aren't more people familiar with Magrathea?***
I certainly can't say why such a good band has gotten
so little attention. I can only hope that In Search Of The
Crystal will change all that. I've listened to this release
a good many times now. I enjoyed it the first time I heard
it and I like it even more now after many listens.***
Fish, IQ and Marillion, Mostly Autumn and Frost, they
have nothing to fear from Magrathea, but honestly now, I'll
take Magrathea over any of them any day. A band this good
can't be ignored forever, so get this disc while you can.***
|
