MICHAEL MANGIA
The Invisible Wall (self-released)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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The Invisible Wall is Michael Mangia's second self released full length CD, two years after his debut effort, Uptopia. He's used the intervening time to do journeyman's duty on the LA open mike scene and craft a new set of songs presented against a completely reconfigured sonic backdrop.

There's a big, lush sound throughout the album, with keyboards soaring like seabirds over waves of layered guitars. It's a fit setting for Mangia's dramatic vocal style and his lyrics, which are rich in both vocabulary and imagery. There's a story line underlying the whole thing, and fitting it together requires attentive listening, which is well worth the time it takes. If you'd rather, though, you can simply be lifted by the rich, often anthemic, sound, which is just as richly rewarding if you prefer indulgence to study.

In other words, The Invisible Wall sounds so good that the fact that it also says so much is the added ingredient that lifts it above the typical effort of its time. I can't imagine this guy lasting much longer without some serious label interest. He should attract your interest in the interim.

Track List:

Arbitraries * Barbie Doll * Drunk * Someone Who * Ticker Tape Parade * Like Gone * No Sign Of Life * Wet Dream * The Invisible Wall * Rise & Shine * Star*boy * Judas Valentine * In Your Room (Peruvian Dreaming)

© 2004 - Shaun Dale