MASTERMIND - VOL.2: BTRAINSTORM - 1992

Mastermind is an american band who plays something between symphonic prog with some jazzy elements. The band is influenced by ELP , mainly because of keyboards arrangements. The band was formed by the 2 brothers Berends, Rich and Bill in late '80's. Bill is responsable with guitar parts, keys and here and there when needed vocal parts, while his brother Rich made the drums parts and occasionaly percussions. As I said the music is very uptempo with nice shifting moods between keys arrangements and very solid druming, but with all that I don't find their music so fantastic, so excellent, mainly because I considered them as the '90's ELP. This is their second effort from 1992 named of course Volume two. The whole album is good but something is missing, I can't put my finger on. The album is almost entirely instrumental with here and there vocal parts on some pieces. The music is keyboard drivin' prog , very uptempo, very well played with jazzy interplays, but as I said something make put only 3 stars to this release. A good band that needs a wider recognision, this two brothers know what is prog music, and can play very strong. So 3 stars, a good one no doubt but no more than that. The best pieces are the opening track Brainstorm, 21 minutes of real prog feast and the two cover versions The Ride of the Valkyrie and William Tell Overture. The Cd was released, my version at ZNR records in 1992, don't esotate to listen, at least onece.
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