Magrathea - In Search Of The Crystal


Year of Release: 2008
Label: self-released
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 62:34:00

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.


Tracklisting:
In Search Of The Crystal / Bug Eyed Monsters / Keeper Of Souls / It?s About That Time / Passion Play / Into The Drink / Magician / Heaven Is Never Enough / Interactive Dreamers

Musicians:
Glenn Alexander - keyboards, drums, vocals
Gary Gordon - guitars, bass

Discography:
Entropy (2001)
Legends 2004
Legends Remain (2004)
In Search Of The Crystal (2008)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin UK

Added: October 22nd 2008
Reviewer: Tom Karr
Score:
Artist website: www.magrathea.org.uk/default.aspx
Hits: 3530
Language: english

  

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