Mihrax - Medley Of A Life Progressive Voyages Review PV016
Mihrax - Medley Of A Life - Progressive Voyages Review. PV016
This is a new EP from Berlin based Prog Rockers Mihrax coming out less than a year after their 2024 Rox album.
The line-up is the same as it was for the Rox album however what is different is that this is a concept album of just 5 tracks totalling around 26 minutes of music. The concept is that the music portrays a life from birth to death.
The first track First Steps is about the infants early years and features both a clock ticking and also the sound of a baby crying at the beginning, This is followed by somewhat ethereal keyboard sounds that are intended to represent or evoke a strong sense of calm and rest, like the calm before the storm as it were. The song speaks of a baby’s first steps and by showing how utterly reliant he is on his parents, This moves into a far livelier section of sounds which is entitled Die Another Day. This is about the child becoming a teenager and of their adventurous and independent approach to life. After all teenagers think they know it all and are immune or oblivious to dangers and risks or events, unaware of the harsh realities of life that could await their unsuspecting lifestyle. The song speaks of one who is finding out who they are. It uses a variety of sounds and textures to get the songs message and meanings across, which honestly I’m not always sure it works but it is a very brave attempt they have made for this concept EP.
The latter section of part 2 of the song has the teenager having some self doubts about who he is. This leads into the more symphonic keyboards of part 3 Jigsaw of life when the infant has aged and is now a young adult who is making his way in the world. They are also finding out about love and relationships, this is all in a very keyboard driven setting.
Part 4 Closed Circle is the middle age years era, the subject is now settled additionally he is thinking of starting a family now and thinking of all the uncertainty and disruption that can cause, as he worries that his child will turn out like them. This is a more subdued and reflective song and I think it misses out much of those middle years somehow. There is a fine keyboard solo and guitar solo, although as the song draws to its conclusion, it is an interesting song which has some fine orchestrations in the keyboards. Then as the now ageing subject approaches the end of his life, the music is solemn and the clock ticks once again. The song is sung from the viewpoint of the dying person seeking to pass on his love through his eyes as the machine stops its beeping and he passes into his eternity.
Whilst this is a brave concept, I am not entirely convinced that Mihrax have done justice to the subject, As I think it’s very bold but it feels a little too inconclusive for me, I do like it that said I’m not sure it will get too much airplay here. However it is good in parts and I feel that should be recognized. The keyboard parts are especially strong, I just felt the guitars needed more presence. I also feel that there are gaps in the narrative and we are left unsure of exactly what the group are seeking to convey at times.
So here are those sections that make up the Medley Of A Life EP.
Part 1 First Steps 3:40
Part 2 Die Another Day 8 :43
Part 3 Jigsaw of Life 5 :40
Part 4 Closed Circle 4:53
Part 5 Peace 3:16
Total time 26:12
Why not give it a listen and make up your own mind you can find it on Bandcamp easily enough. I’m sure Mihrax will be making more music for us to enjoy again very soon, I certainly do hope they do as they have much to offer to modern Prog Fans as previous album Rox clearly showed us what they are capable of.
Info here: Music | Mihrax https://share.google/KGzCZ9aCkCFImaJJg