1. Facing The Sunset (13:53)
2. I Fear The Day (10:12)
3. There Must Be Another Way (12:31)
4. Hidden Dreams (20:58)
Year: 2005
Label: Mangrovian Music
Mangrove represents Duch prog rock scene. They have already recorded two
studio albums and „Facing the Sunset” is the second album in their
discography. This album that was released in 2005 is based on a very
interesting concept, namely on a story about Nobody….This is the name
of a main character of this intriguing tale and it is presented by the
band in five compositions.
Those who love Andy Latimer and Camel should have a try on this album
without any doubt. This Dutch band can build a similar soft mood and
gentle atmosphere throughout the album. There are lots of beautilul
melodies and and a touch of melancholy too. Two first compositions are
dominated by soft keyboard sounds with vocals of Roland van der Horst
and gentle guitar lines set againg this background. These sounds take
you on a journey through slowly flowing guitar sounds. „There must be
another way” so a third, instrumental track on this album brings a
change of tempo. And the beginning which is dominated by gentle piano
sounds does not really suggest that, although it makes a difference.
There are marvellous parts for acoustic guitar and a keyboard solo that
starts at about 12th minute of this track is breathteaking! „Hidden
Dreams”, the fourth and last composition on the album is a true giant
among others. It lasts almost 21 minutes and contains classic prog rock
sounds in a style of prog rock masters. From the very beginning it’s
clear that this is supposed to be a rock track although it also includes
some slowdowns and a touch of melancholy that soothes your nerves. You
can hear some Camel here and also Pink Floyd – this band does not try
hard to be very original and draws abundantly from the best examples…
and I must say they are doing this in a great style and the album is a
great listen.
For many prog pock fans this group came into being because of „Facing
the Sunset” and music included on this album is a real must listen for
those who love gentle and full of emotions prog rock and so being fully
aware, I give them
8,5/10
Piotr Michalski
translation: Gosia Michalska
