Spanish progressive rock band Regna returns with their long-awaited follow-up to 2015's debut EP Meridian, this one their first full-length album titled Cinema. Though the band claims Cinema is not a concept album, there are some consistent themes across the album that listeners will instantly pick up, which are all 'film/performance' related. Musically, there is lots to love here for fans of classic '70s progressive rock, from the complex arrangements to wonderful analog keyboard sounds. The opening keyboard bombast of "Opening Credits" sets the stage, and through "Return to..." and "Spyglass", it's a joy to hear the weaving guitar and keyboard lines intersect across each other. "Tangent" is another winner, with vocalist Marc Illa lending some melodic and dramatic words over the bubbling arrangement, which brings to mind Gentle Giant, Yes, Genesis, and a touch of Camel. Bassist Arturo Garcia also really comes through on the mix on this one. Closing epic "Accolade" is another winner here, kicking off with haunting electric piano from Miguel Gonzalez and nimble guitar lines courtesy of Alejandro Dominguez & Xavier Martinez, taking the listener on a wild journey throughout. Eric Lavado's drums perfectly keep everything tight, and fans of Moog and Mellotron are in for a treat with all the classic keyboard sounds here.
I'm still warming up to Illa's vocals, and while they are pretty decent and always melodic, I think he's a guy who is still improving. That being said, they might be the slight weak point here; however, they don't detract from the music at all. Overall, this is a strong release that grows on me the more I listen to it, and it's an easy recommendation for anyone looking to discover a newer prog band to check out.
Track Listing
1) Opening Credits 0:58
2) Return to... 6:30
3) Spyglass 8:16
4) Tangent 8:38
5) Dramatis Personae 1:31
6) Accolade 20:27
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