MINDGAMES - INTERNATIONAL DAYLIGHT - 2003

As reviewers, everyday we have our ears exposed to many new bands, as well as some older bands we haven't had the chance to listen to before. Not too often though, I pick a CD from an unknown band, and the music hit me right in the middle, at the very first listening. Well, I have to confess that Mindgames was one of those rare and fortunate cases.

With a very melodic / symphonic music, with excellent vocals, I was surprised by a wide range of arrengements among the constant shifting moods, all the way till the end. I mean, there was not a single second on this CD where I could say "this part is just average". Listening to the entire album is a surprising and enjoyable experience. According to the band, their influences range between Yes, Zappa, Floyd, Marillion and Spocks Beard. Congratulations to the band. Totally recommended to fans of melodic / symphonic prog.
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MINDGAMES' story dates back at the end of 1997,when they were found by bassist Eric Vandoormal and singer Bart Shram.Next to join were classical-trained keyboardist Tom Truyers and drummer Benny Petak.The band recorded a demo in 1999,while 2000 sees the arrival of guitarist Rudy Vander.In 2002 MINDGAMES recorded their debut ''International daylights'',which was worldwide distributed by Musea the following year.

Two years of endless composing ended up finally in a very satisfying result.Their style is certainly symphonic-oriented with some neo-prog delights added here and there.I can detect a lot of YES in this one:from the complex keyboard work of Truyers and the carefully arranged vocal arrangements of Schram to the intricate Howe-like guitar style of Vander.But the seven mostly long tracks have much more to offer than simply a few YES tones.Add some classical strings to the more mellow moments,mix it up with some pleasant guitar STEVE ROTHERY-like solos and MARTIN ORFORD-like synths and complete the picture with a pleasant KAYAK atmosphere to imagine the whole sound-picture.Track from track differs: some of them have a smooth ballad approach with fine piano and relaxed musicianship overall,while others present the symphonic intensity and grandiosity at its best through the keyboard/organ echoes and the Howe-like guitar playing.MINDGAMES are here to stay.Their debut is a very good example of modern symphonic rock painted with vintage influences,which will please most of you progheads out there.Recommended followed by 3.5 stars!
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