ARTIST: Mastermind
TITLE: Insomnia
LABEL: Lion Music
GENRE: Progressive Rock
BITRATE: 206kbps avg
PLAYTIME: 0h 50min total
RELEASE DATE: 2010-00-00
RIP DATE: 2010-06-04
Track List:
1. Desire 5:31
2. Break Me Down 3:29
3. One More Night 5:23
4. Meltdown 4:13
5. Piggy World 4:42
6. No Answer 4:08
7. Broken 4:21
8. Night Flier 3:49
9. Nietzsche 5:23
10.Last Cigarette 9:16
Legendary New Jersey prog rock band Mastermind has been flying under the radar
for some ten years now. Insomnia, their seventh album, is their first full
length release in ten years. Recently signed to Lion Music, Mastermind, known
for original song composition and experimentation, takes a slighty different
turn on their latest. Insomnia is built more upon the song than prog
impressionism, and around the vocals of new singer Tracy McShane. Indeed, if
Mastermind, and founders the Berends brothers, wanted to Ms. McShane, then she
certainly steals the limelight throughout, and she's simply wonderful on One
More Night, Desire, and No Answer.
Yet, the progressive compositions which made Mastermind famous are not forgotten
here. The aforementioned One More Night is a firm example as are Meltdown, Night
Flier, and Piggy World. Then there are songs that combine the best of these
elements. Broken shines as well rounded and crafted song while bringing an epic
progressive sound accented by McShane's vocals. This is one of those songs, and
moments, where you say wow, because it all comes together in a hugely
entertaining piece. Following this same idea, the melancholy epic (over nine
minutes long) Last Cigarette may remind of past Mastermind performances. Again,
the Berends brother's composition and musicianship combined with Ms. McShane's
vocals create a stirring portrait of their profound skills.
On Insomnia, Mastermind set out to craft an album strong on song composition and
featuring new vocalist Tracy McShane, but without abandoning their progressive
experimentation. They have succeeded. Insomnia is a sterling work. Welcome back
Mastermind. Very recommended!