Artist : Cast

Album : Vigesimus

Release Date : 05-03-2021

Added : 04-06-2021

I reviewed their last album 'Power And Outcome' in 2017 which introduced me to this Mexican group with multiple albums (see their discography here< / a>). Led by keyboardist 'Luis Alfonso Vidales' since their debut in the 70s and who is also the composer, they released at the beginning of May a new studio recording 'Vigesimus' (meaning it's their 20th album in Latin), still very rich in content because 76 minutes are offered to us for our greatest pleasure.

So, on menu, there are 10 compositions that range from a few minutes to 4 long tracks which alone are more than 40 minutes long. We therefore find this progressive style of the Mexicans with sought-after symphonic arrangements which add an important richness throughout this album, and which refer us to the major progressive formations of the 70s with names like 'Genesis', 'Kansas' or 'Yes' who used to mix classical instruments with electric instruments. From the start, we have this proof with 'Ortni' which takes us in an instrumental with sumptuous and generous arrangements with a massive use of strings and the acoustic guitar which twirls in a masterly way, then, 'Black Ashes and Black Boxes' continues in this symphonic richness, the resulting atmosphere making me think of 'Renaissance' in their most energetic titles. With 'The Unknown Wise Advise', we hold the first track bordering on 10 minutes which develops unbridled symphonic rock requiring several listenings to reveal all its richness, the instrumental parts always being very full and particularly complex, then, the short 'Another Light 'is much more direct with more pop influences and as for 'Manley' which follows, it is a tormented instrumental with many changes of tempos which further increases this stormy atmosphere. Change of scenery with 'Location and Destination', which is in a much lighter style, the violin bringing a classical component, flirting with the baroque for 5 minutes and which, after an orchestral final, continues with a rather offbeat instrumental part of the above, repeating the same musical phrase many times with some variations. With 'Crossing', we start the last part of the album with the longest developments in a more romantic atmosphere and with a melody that we immediately tame and which has beautiful vocal harmonies making me think of 'Jethro Tull', then, 'The Cross' continues in a quiet climate with a magnificent melancholy ballad which gradually gains momentum, the rhythm section arriving late enough for a moving final. The progressive side takes the front again with 'Contacto' which is entirely instrumental and which alternates different atmospheres, going from an epic progressive rock and to neo-classical with harmonious melodic lines, with orchestrations reminiscent of 'Renaissance'. The album ends with 'Dredging to a Higher Place' which highlights the violin of 'Roberto Izzo' and which takes us into rich and abundant instrumental parts reminding me of certain atmospheres of 'Kansas', the majority of the sung parts being concentrated in the second part always supported by a flamboyant orchestration.

In summary, the Mexicans of 'Cast' release a very dense album marrying in a beautiful way progressive rock and symphonic and which, like good wine, improves over time and listenings, which destines 'Vigesimus' to a public who like to take their time to discover, little by little, all the richness of a dense work like this one...

Line Up / Musicians

Luis Alfonso Vidales (Keybords), Bobby Vidales (Vocal), Lupita Acuna (Vocal), Claudio Cordero (Guitar), Roberto Izzo (Violin), Carlos Humaran (Bass), Jose Antonio Bringes (Drums, Percussions)