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MANGROVE is a Dutch prog outfit with strong symphonic
and retro leanings with a hue of neo thrown in for good measure.
Some Wakeman or early IQ type synths, mourning Hackett-styled
guitar leads, vocals that are a bit accented but nothing too
off-putting for English-speaking listeners. Mellotrons and
organ try to set you up for a retro fix. I notice the drumming
in places is pretty happening. Nothing entirely original here,
There are basically only four tracks here on this 57 minute
disc, so yeah, Mangrove are another 'prog' band that are allergic
to anything under ten minutes in length.***
I believe this is Mangrove's second album, and pretty
much follows the prog-by-numbers thing, with Genesis, early
solo Hackett and Flower Kings flavorings- maybe a little Camel,
but Camel were a little more 'up'. The first two tracks are
standard fare. Well done, but not particularly essential.
The latter two however redeem this a bit by being better material
at least. The instrumental is worth mention.***
here are the trax: FACING THE SUNSET: The title track
goes through the expected textures and sombre keyboard washes
and mourning guitars over lots of mid-tempo sections, and
does not disappoint if you're looking for 'THAT sound'. However,
as mentioned, some pretty good drumming in places, but the
music isn't necesarily percussion oriented either.***
I FEAR THE DAY: melancholy and slow intro with piano
and soft synths and the expected life 'n' death searching-for-the-answer
gloom lyrics. Mellotron sounds snake around in the darkest
of places here. Nice dramatic middle section and some 'neo'
style guitar solo. This is basically the 'ballad' of the album.***
THERE MUST BE ANOTHER WAY: the album takes a turn for
the better with this lengthy instrumental which blends classic
Neo sounds and some decent instrumental interplay and textures.
Nice piano runs and interactive instrumentation before moving
into a mellow section which is again Hackett-like, maybe a
little Floyd-like too when the guitar solo comes up, before
going back into some more Neo-like moments.***
HIDDEN DREAMS: an epic 20 minute track with all the trimmings,
a little more YES-like for this one in places, with a molecule
of Kansas. Nice neo moments too. These last two tracks are
the more successful material here.***
Again, nothing spellboundingly original, but for those
in search of more More MORE prog, this will certainly satisfy.***
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