Also see: Alfonso Vidales ~ ProgDay '98 ~ Baja Prog '99 ~ Baja Prog 2000 ~ Baja Prog 2001 ~ Baja Prog 2002 ~ Baja Prog 2003 ~ Prog Day 2003
From: Elias Granillo, Jr.
> Neo-prog in Mexico? There is a very poor scene about progressive groups in
Mexico. There are just a few "active" bands like Iconoclasta, Banda El?tica and
Cast.
The only ones I've only heard/have Iconoclasta's first one. But as for Cast, I
think they're so damn good, it's not even funny. Even Cast doesn't know how good
Cast is! Absolutely. Unfortunatelly, they're almost unknown in Mexico. About
Iconoclasta, The first two albums are their best. Banda El?tica is a Rock In
Opposition band which was once described by Chris Cutler (@ Recommended) as
"extremely interesting". IMO, Banda El?tica's album "Los Awaketes de Nepantla"
is one of the best Mexican prog. records EVER! Cast are much, much better
than many current European neo-prog acts. *Beyond Reality,* *A View of Cast,*
and *Angels & Demons* have burned their niche into symph-prog history. Oh,
that's the other good thing: Cast are *symphonic prog,* NOT neo-prog. IMO.
Vidales' swirling keyboard lines are like great beer. "Beyond Reality" is an
amazing album. Really recommended.
>I've got a question, Elias: How can Cast be "much better than many current
European neo-prog acts" if, in your opinion, "Cast are symphonic prog, NOT neo-prog"?
(:-o)
I think Cast is, in fact, a great "prog" (note I didn't write Symphonic or neo)
bands of all times! So long....
From: "E-Man" <>
> I'm thinking of trying out a CD from CAST but have no idea of where to
jump in. What would be a good bet for one of theirs that is slanted more toward
a keyboard-dominated sound (or is there one)?
Either the latest one, Angels & Demons, or the one before it, Beyond
Reality...both are great!
From: Mark Fonda <>
I second that... these are the only Cast CDs I have and they are both excellent.
I prefer Angels & Demons by just a bit. Cast is every bit as good as Glass
Hammer, IMO.
From: "Luna Negra S.C." <>
If I were you... I think you should start with "Beyond Reality" if you're
looking for a symphonic CD. The first three show a more neo-prog oriented and
the other a more pastoral flavor, in my opinion. The last one, "Angels and
Demons" is also great.
From: "Juan Carlos Macho" <>
>This group sounds very interesting-my local prog. dealer has the following;
can someone make a suggestion for my first purchase?
>Angels&Dreams, Third Call, Landing in a Serious Mind, Beyond Reality, Endless
Signs, Four Aces, Sounds of Imagination.
I can recommend you to buy first Beyond Reality and Endless Signs , IMO
they are the best , then Four aces, Sounds of Imagination, Angels&Dreams. I own
all of them and I love Cast ,being one of my favorite actual bands.
From: "upnsm0ke" <>
>From: "Luna Negra S.C." <>
>Have you heard the new CAST cd, "Imaginary Window"? Despite the terrible art
work, the music is GREAT!
Haha! Indeed it is! One of their best efforts so far, and plenty of
instrumentals to balance out the vocal cuts (great Hackett-esque guitar from
Francisco). Okay, okay, I actually like that cover. Put a nude babe on the cover
(even a caricature like this), I'll like the album even more, haha! By the way,
did you notice that ALL the track times listed on the CD are drastically
different from those on the CD player's counter? (!!!)
From: jonathan bar-yehuda <>
Subject: new cast cd "legacy"
got my copy of the new cast cd from musea. has anyone listened to this cd
already. to me it is quite a disappointment. nothing new on this cd. was
expecting some development. what do you think.
From: "Surjorimba Suroto" <>
I have the same expression as yours. Yes, indeed, they made very good songs and
arrangements. I enjoyed very much this album. But as you said, nothing new.
Especially variety in arrangement or sound. Very predictable. I think this is
typical for all Cast's albums. But like I said before, I do enjoy this album.