Mangrove is a 4-piece progressive band hailing from the Netherlands. Active in the scene since the mid-1990’s, the band released their debut (the mini-album Massive Hollowness) in 2001. Coming Back to LIVE is the group’s fourth release overall, a double live album recorded 4 November 2006 in Apeldorn Netherlands. The album is divided into two distinct sets. Disc one compiles 7 shorter tracks from the band’s first two releases (Massive Hollowness and Touch Wood), performed more or less chronologically. Disc 2 presents performances of 3 tracks from Mangrove’s 2005 concept release Facing the Sunset. These tracks are generally longer, with performance closer “Hidden Dream” clocking in at over 20 minutes. Chris Jonker uses a varied sound palate on keyboards, often recreating mellotron choirs and warm organ tones through his digital synths. Pieter Drost’s bass cuts nicely through the mix without relying on a biting trebly sound, as many bassists in the field seem to gravitate to. Joost Hagemeijer’s drumming may seem unspectacular to listeners more acquainted with virtuoso performers; however, his playing seems tailored for the songs, playing in the pocket and adding flourishes in lieu of dramatic overplaying. Band co-founder Roland van der Horst doubles on vocals and guitar, and while his vocals seem to fit into the well-worn neo box, his guitar playing is tasteful and restrained, wringing as much emotion from every note as possible. As a whole, Coming Back to LIVE offers up a concise snapshot of everything the band has to offer; the songs are synth heavy, dripping with emotive guitar solos a la Steven Rothery or Andrew Latimer, with serviceable if somewhat stereotypic neo-styled vocals.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2007 Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.