Band: Factory of Dreams
Band Website: www.myspace.com/projectcreation
Label: ProgRock Records
Label Website:www.progrockrecords.com
Release Date: 2009
The progressive rock genre is unique in that there are quite a number of what are called
musical projects. These tend to involve a musical mastermind who then surrounds himself with other talented cohorts. Factory of Dreams is
just such a project. Here the musical mastermind is Hugo Flores (guitar, bass, keyboards, drums) and his primary musical muse is vocalist
Jessica Letho. Together they’ve added a cast of supporting vocalists and created quite a bombastic follow-up to 2008’s Poles CD entitledA Strange Utopia.
Musically A Strange Utopia follows up on their previous somber, gothic, heavy symphonic musical approach but
here the music betrays a faster, more complex or busy compositional style. Think of Dream Theater mixed with Shadow Gallery all heavily
orchestrated. There are a total of 14-tracks including 2 bonus tracks. Most of these pieces are in the four or five minute range although
the final track is just over nine-minutes and is perhaps best described as the epic closer, though that’s hardly fair since the whole
disc is epic in sound and style. The music is lushly orchestrated, dramatic and would best be described as heavy symphonic. Letho’s
vocals once again hold centre stage and certainly command attention; they are sweet, operatic and movingly melodic adding a distinct
gothic flair. Her vocals appear on every track and at times come across in an almost operatic fashion. The music on A Strange Utopia comes
across initially as very busy with melodies buried deep within the notes. It’s busy and complex music with lots of notes and lots
of instruments all vying for centre stage. It’s only after repeated listening that the mist clears and each songs strong points come
to the surface. I will say this is one of those CD’s best listened to at home rather in the car.
It goes without saying that
fans of Hugo Flores work will really enjoy the music of A Strange Utopia. But fans of the music of Ayreon, Nightwish and others creating
music in that style will find much to enjoy here. Factory of Dreams is quality gothic flavoured symphonic progressive rock.
