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November 2024

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September 2024

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August 2024

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Mystery: The World Is A Game

Progressive Rock

5.0/5.0

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Unicorn Digital
by Craig Hartranft,  12.15.2012

Perhaps the first order of business concerning Mystery's seventh album, The World Is A Game, is to note that Benoit David has returned a their lead vocalist. After several years, and two albums, with the seminal prog rock group Yes, David returns to the microphone of this Canadian prog outfit.

Mystery:: something's quite funny.

Something that has not changed is Mystery's commitment to classic melodic progressive rock, principally motivated by founder Michel St-Pere's guitar driven composition. While hearing Mystery with David's vocals, you may consider Mystery a clone of that other famous group. But that's not necessary, but does offers some explanation to Mystery's musical style. You will hear in The World Is A Game classic UK prog including sounds from Yes to Genesis to Marillion and more.

To this end, Mystery's The World Is A Game is simply a delightful and entertaining album of melodic rock, progressive but not overtly technical. It's more like sophisticated AOR. It's also atmospheric; there's a wistful and airy quality throughout, and notable on songs like Pride or the title track. Conversely, a song like Dear Someone reveals a heavier side to Mystery's prog, with sacrificing melody or atmosphere (thanks to the flute lingering in the arrangement). Ultimately, and principally, Mystery is a melodic progressive rock band, and the beautiful closing piece Another Day displays the band at their prog best. The World Is A Game is easily recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

With The World Is A Game, you'll find Canada's Mystery at their very best, delivering classic melodic progressive rock. Simple.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]