I just bought the complete set of studio recordings by CAST, the
neo-progressive mexican band. One word of compliment: Awesome.
The first two CD,s: "Landing In a Serious Mind" (94) and "Sounds of
Imagination" (85/94) could be listened to as side recordings that only anticipate
what's coming for, despite of showing the mixing of influences and styles, there's
still not a defined sound but many sounds, waiving between some fussion, pure
symphonic and acid jazz. These albums are a must to understand or compliment the
ulterior works.
But you can rather listen first to "Four Aces" (April, 95) and "Endless
Signs" (Oct., 95) in either sequence; as far as my opinion counts, two of the
best pro-gressive albums I have ever heard. They're solid and defined: finally
synphorock from the top batch; comparable without hesitation to the best bands of
the genre. They could have opened an old Genesis concert and do the encores. Or
they could have provided Yes with musicians when the originals left and wouldn't
have been necesary for them to come back, especially Wakeman or Brufford. These
(CAST) are masters/elite progressive musicians only unknown.
The third album "Third Call" (Oct. 94) came about the same time than
"Sounds..." but they represent two diferent momentoes. "Third Call" is more a
transitional link between the other four albums. Is the half way from the old
experimentation to the excellence.
"Beyond Reality" (Aug.,96) is a brilliant multistilyshed collection of
experiments and maybe replays: some parts sound a lot alike "Sound of Imagination"
and then a depth bath in ELP and Yes and a cover of Camel at the end. Very
recomended. Is this maybe a retrieval of old material?
I couldn't obtain the 7th. album "A View Of Cast" (live). But I have a
Copy of their latest: "Angels and Demons"(97) in the line of "Endless
Signs" but refined; they perform here as a stablished band: homogeneus,
secure and balanced. Here you hear again the mastery and influencies on
the musicians: spotless, almost perfect and clear. Listening to this album
makes you feel proud of your musical preferences and willing to listen quietly,
with closed eyes. This band is at the top in musical quality,
and is a must for progheads.
Cesar Cervantes.
quijote@vegas.infi.net | 