The most beautiful albums are often the ones we don't expect. Despite a large number of live and studio albums, Magenta is unfortunately part of the relatively underground combos on the progressive scene and this opus made me discover this band.
We start this album with 'Bela', which alone is a magnificent synthesis of the record. The 10-minute intro could remind us of the late Unitopia. Before the vocals arrive, the sections follow one another, guitar and keyboard solos invite themselves to the party. Progressive, overflowing with creativity, symphonic, melodic, folk, Magenta shows the full extent of his talent
True epic, 'Masters Of Illusion' closes the album from the top of its 16 minutes. Here again, the number of ambiences is so high that it is impossible to describe the title succinctly. The great success of this band is not only that they manage to produce long songs without losing interest at any time, but also that no part is superfluous, whether it is the smooth and calm atmospheres, the unbridled keyboards, the folk moments, the choirs or the countless solos.
On more concise tracks, here again, the success is total. 'A Gift From God' is certainly one of the most immediate tracks. Carried by the soft voice of Christina Booth on the verses and a keyboard resembling a harp, the beauty is total. The chorus stays in the head and the final guitar solo is memorable. More dynamic, 'Snow' brings a little rhythm, thanks to the keyboards again very much in place and a hopping chorus.
Lets talk about these keboards played by the master of the place: Rob Reed. Omnipresent throughout the album, the musician never overdoes it. His great expertise and mastery of the instrument lead him to choose the right sounds at the right moments, with impeccable feeling and sensitivity. Christina Booth's vocals is also of an excellent level. Endowed with a very beautiful vibrato and a soft and pleasant timbre, the accuracy of the singer is irreproachable. A word also on the added value of Mr. Chris Fry. Thanks to very well felt guitar solos, privileging melody and sensitivity, the contribution of his playing is considerable throughout the six tracks.
Generally speaking, and beyond pure interpretation, it is the quality of writing that makes the difference throughout the disc. This opus is simply beautiful, melodic, well composed and musically very rich, each instrument being at the service of the collective. Contrary to what the title of this album suggests, these musicians are indeed masters, and this is not an illusion!