Artist: Mangala Vallis
Title: The Book of Dreams
Producted by: Mangala Vallis
Label: Tamburo AvaporE Records
Date: 2002
Link: Band/ Artist info

The Review:

Mangala Vallis is Italy's latest offering to the prog community. Some symphonic prog lovers will notice that they mix styles of vintage Genesis and Gentle Giant, while adding some Fish-era Marillion and Spock's Beard influences. Need not worry, they musically add their own identity with a bit of modernizing.

The Book of Dreams is dedicated to the memory of writer Jules Verne, and each track has lyrics based on one of his classic books (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Around the World in 80 Days, & A Journey to the Center of the Earth).

The core of Mangala Vallis, are that of keyboardist Enzo Cattini, guitarist/bassist Mirco Consolini and Gigi Cavalli Cocchi on percussion/drums. Joining them are three great vocalists that reminiscent of Peter Gabriel and Neal Morse to name a few. A surprise for some prog lovers is that the three vocalists sing virtually accent free. All instruments are vintage and gives the overall sound a more classic feel rather than a retro sound.

In closing, Book of Dreams is both a great debut and welcomed addition to any symphonic prog lovers collection, and thus is highly recommended!

Reviewd by Ron Fuchs March 28th, 2003

Tracks:

1. Ouverture [1:47]
2. Is The End The Beginning? [9:28]
3. The Book of Dreams [7:05]
4. The Journey [12:13]
5. Days of Light [9:05]
6. Under The Sea [3:34]
7. Asha (Comng Back Home) [8:20]
8. A New Century [10:22]

Reviewed Discography

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