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Mandala

Midnight Twilight

Review by Gary Hill

I’ve heard this billed as folk prog. That’s not a bad label, but it doesn’t really cover the wide range of sounds here. There is everything from heavy metal to jam band, psychedelia and more included. There are things that make me think of Led Zeppelin. Other moments call to mind Yes. I even make out some Godsmack on one song. The thing is, those parts might seem like other things, but the composite presented here is unique and original.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2015  Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
There's a Wind That Blows

The mix of sounds here lands somewhere between hard rock and metal for a lot of the song. There is a prog turned psychedelic section that shows up throughout, though.

The Dark Waltz
Folk and progressive rock merge as this piece opens. That combination of sounds holds the track for the duration. It’s a potent number that’s fairly diverse and dynamic. There are definitely some symphonic things going on here, too. 
Into the Night
More of a rocking number, there is some jazz and some jam band sound added to the mix here. This is closer to “The Dark Waltz” than it is to “There’s a Wind That Blows.” Some of the guitar sounds actually remind me of Peter Banks’ sounds in Yes. Still, this is modern. The guitar solo, though, brings a real psychedelic jam band vibe to the table.
Midnight Twilight
Speaking of psychedelia, the opening of this song is thoroughly set in that style. It starts to gain more elements as it continues. There are Middle Eastern modes built into this piece, too. This instrumental is classy.
Sun
I really love the mix of folk, prog and psychedelia on this. For some reason, this makes me think just a little of Godsmack’s “Voodoo.” This is mellow for a lot of the duration, but rocks. It’s powerful and jumps out into a killer world music jam later. That gets a full prog treatment in the process. This is one of the strongest cuts here. I hear some of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” in terms of sound in the mix here, too.
I Have Fallen
There is a lot of folk and country built into this. It’s got a lot of energy and some definite prog. It’s one of the most mainstream cuts of the set, though.
Dreaming
Intricate music, this is quite beautiful. It’s rather moody, but also quite definitely prog based. It’s acoustic based. I love the vocals and the strings.   
Ghizou
The combo of folk, prog and more on this is powerful. It works from mellower to more rocking in real style, too. There are some amazing fast paced moments. The moody sections are quite classy, too.
Within
With psychedelia, folk and alternative rock blended, there are definite progressive rock elements in the song construction and shifts and turns. This is another great example of the kind of sounds these guys create. There are bits that even make me think of King Crimson just a little. There are also space rock touches over the top. The mellow segment at the end is a great touch. 
Fire is Mine
This cut starts mellow and quite folk based. It builds into quite a powerful rocking piece of music. There are symphonic elements here. It also has space rock, shoegaze and more. I love the world music melodies that are heard at times. This is one of the strongest cuts here, making it a great choice for closer.

 

 
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