A Torn Mind – Barriers
A Torn Mind – Barriers CD (A Torn Mind Records)
Scottish rockers A Torn Mind certainly don’t take any shortcuts when it comes to crafting their compositions. “Barriers”, their first full-length offering, is avowedly prog rock – to the point where they happily include some of the same aspects which led to prog first experiencing a backlash and later even ridicule, such as parping keyboards and sometimes overly earnest vocals. For all that, you don’t need to be a purist to realise that there are also a lot of reasons to applaud them; not least the excellent job they have done on the production (done by the band themselves in admirably DIY fashion). They earn additional kudos for frequently excellent playing (including some brilliant woodwind sections), effective arrangements and a maturity and sense of accomplishment to their songwriting that suggests they have a very bright future indeed – if not at the top of the charts, certainly mopping up some of the deeply fanatical Marillion followers once those lumbering monsters shudder to a halt. Comparisons with the Mars Volta are mostly nonsensical, but you can hear oodles of Dream Theater, Rush et al in here, along a heavier edge gleaned from the noodlier edges of the last ten years of the metal scene. “Barriers” won’t appeal to everyone, but those seeking genuine new contenders in the field of progressive rock should be in raptures over A Torn Mind. EDDIE THOMAS
