"Below the Mists, Above the Brambles"
by MaterDea

Sound - Music Reviews
Written by Lauranne "CelticWitch817" Beckett

After listening to the new release of MaterDea's “Below the Mists, Above the Brambles”, I felt very relaxed and calm. I loved the mixture of different instruments, nature sounds, and beautiful vocal
scores.

The emotion and the music intertwine to put the body in a relaxing state and washes over the listener. The way the artists represent the elements and nature in their music is intoxicating.
The combination of Simon Papa and Marco Strega's voices are very soothing. This used with the music and the background singing strings together a full bodied mixture of relaxation and tranquility.
I enjoyed how I felt at one with the songs and the nature being portrayed within the music.
The sound rain softly started the album in the beginning of the first track “Below the Mists, Above the Brambles” and weaved itself through the next song, tying all the songs together.

Track three “Another Trip to Skye” and track four “An Elder Flute”were a delight. I enjoyed the guitar solos and the edgier soundsof both songs. My favorite track, though, would have to be track ten, “The Enchanted Oak”, when the rain made way for the birds in the background of the intro. Then the building power of the instruments is so dynamic and continues to pull the listener into the song.
With every song on the album you are invited into the colorful world the group paints with the music. They sing of the Earth, Elements and Deities in a strong harmonious way that touches the heart of
the listener.

My only complaint was that in some parts of the album, the volume levels seemed to be a bit off-balance. For example, there were a couple parts where the vocals were much louder than the music and others where the vocals were much softer. But these minor issues were not enough to keep me from buying or recommending the album. For the most part, the album reminds me of a nature-based, soothing version of the pop band Evenessence. I was impressed when I did an internet search for MaterDea to find that Simon Papa and Marco Strega haven’t known each other long.

I was surprised because their music sounds like a pair of musicians that have played together for decades instead of just a couple of years. They convey a level of comfort with each other that few
bands and musicians ever reach. For this to be their first album together is a grand thing. I cannot wait to see and hear how the band grows and changes together.

I look forward to more music from MaterDea! I enjoyed the album so much that I when I did an internet search for information about them, I sent a friends request to them on myspace.com to be able to keep up with news about their musical efforts.
This album and band is a definite "must listen" and I hope to see them as a top group in 2010!

Rating: 5 / 5 pentagrams
Review by Lauranne "CelticWitch817" Beckett
Pagan Radio Network

http://www.paganradio.net/component/content/article/68-music-reviews/234-below-the-mists-by-materdea