AMPLIFIER: Mystoria (ROCK,Alternative Rock): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

We concluded the review of Amplifier's latest album with regrets and fears inspired by the destabilizing shift after the masterpiece "The Octopus". As usual, an intermediate EP, entitled "Sunriders" was released shortly after "Echo Street", followed by a live album. This EP kept many of the colors present in the album it succeeded but without indicating any particular direction to expect for a future album. The mystery remained intact until the announcement of a "Mystoria" (!) with an offbeat and intriguing cover.

As usual, Amplifier makes a sharp turn from one album to another. After the epic and progressive "The Octopus", the intimate and atmospheric "Echo Street", it is a radical return to which the mancunians invite us. The direct, powerful and engaging side of "Mystoria" has more to do with the combo's first two records, "Amplifier" and "Insider" and the psychedelic and progressive grunge of the early days has purged itself of all the superfluous matter. With "Mystoria" the formula is more alternative but the energy transpires in these ten effective and melodic tracks.

Besides the immediate standards ('Black Rainbow' and'The meaning Of It'), stoner ('Named After Rocky'), solar ('Cat's Cradle') and heady (the mid-tempo'Bride'), the band has further refined its ability to make exciting, the seemingly simple content (the instrumental 'Magic Carpet') and to set enchanting moods ('Open Up','OMG' and the final pair). The group's technical mastery, brilliant in this demanding exercise, is revealed through the rhythm that deposits the groove and the psychedelic effect that draws the relief. The qualities of the songs also contribute to the success of "Mystoria" with a Sel Balamir in full possession of its vocal richness and numerous and dynamic choirs.

With this addictive "Mystoria", it is the vintage and raw Amplifier that makes its comeback in great form after a less inspired "Echo Street" that marks the end of a cycle. The ability to surprise that Balamir's band has always cultivated is still proving its effectiveness in "Mystoria", a racy rock album that focuses on authenticity rather than complexity. - Official website

AMPLIFIER

MYSTORIA

SUPERBALL

ROCK