"Mask" is a concept album based on an autobiographical story. It's a chronological representation of human life. It starts innocently when we are born. We are born to love.
We learn to hate. It's up to us what we reach for. We are expected by the outside world but also by our parents to prove ourselves and to strive more and more for a better position in society, either financially or in terms of prestige. As a result, we are blinded by reality and lose sight of what really matters in life. This can even lead to despair. Take off your mask and choose love. This can lead to a conversion to faith. Therefore you are filled with love and positivity. Take your responsibility and manage your mistakes and look positively to the future. The album has nine songs.

"Before the Dawn" is first. Like a breeze, it eases in with a shifting velocity. The atmosphere is smooth and mellow, and filled with delicate melodies. The lead guitar breaks are dreamy. Segueing into "Birth," a steady beat ensues, with audible bass notes, leads, and background keyboards. The atmosphere is gentle, but somewhat sad as well. "Climbing Mountains" is the first track with vocals. The rhythms are peaceful and serene, and I get a throwback vibe of the Progressive acts of the 1970's. The flute notes give an obvious nod to JETHRO TULL, while the vocal harmonies fill the expansive sound.

"Blind to Reality" begins with thick bass notes, and a gentle sway. The vocals are very expressive, and the song drips with tones of regret. We all have regrets in life, but rather than dwell on them, it's better to learn from them. "Despair" has a darker and more rousing sound. Keyboards, bass, and guitars blend like a great recipe, with more and more layers added, finally coming together with a bond and synergy. "Mask" is the heart of the album. I feel like I just hopped into a car headed out for a journey with no predetermined destination. "Look in your heart," and "take off your mask," the vocalist beguiles. That keyboard solo is rich and effortless., and it keeps the song grounded in mystery.

"Renewal" is a piano and string led number, leaving the sad elements behind. It's all about taking a step forward and continuing down that path, with resolve. Easier said than done, but that is the message. "Unconditional" has some very tasty opening melodies, and it's clear that the second half of the album is about positivity. The chorus explodes with harmonies and infuses the listener with energy and constitution. "Future" closes the album and wraps up the message. When it's all said and done, this is what life is all about. Smooth, reassuring tones resonate like a message found in bottle at sea, and tasty guitar leads combine with keyboards and bass to push this idea further. "That's the future calling me" are the ending vocal lines.

Overall, this album was a rich, smooth, and rousing blending of 1970's Prog with modern Rock elements. The concept and message were not lost on me either. In a musical world filled with a lot of darkness and cathartic releases, it was nice to just put in the headphones and listen to an album focused on positivity, and renewal.Purchase Link:

https://thefoundationproject.bandcamp.com/album/mask-3