Rick Wakeman's eldest son Oliver's latest solo album "Mother's Ruin" is quite a delightful release. It's pretty much what one wishes to hear from Oliver Wakeman - misty-eyed yet energetic progrock with gripping vocals. Of all progrock bands it shares most similarity to Arena with its strongly melodious and atmospheric compositions. There are some real jewels amongst the musical ideas on this record.

One of this album's strengths are also the witty lyrics that make the listening even more intriguing than the music allows. For example, The Agent is quite a disparaging song with focus on none other than music agents that promise a lot but in the end only rip the artist off (the oldest trick in the book, eh?). Another great detail about this album is its dynamic soundscapes - at times the material can take dramatic changes that are aptly stressed.

Production-wise Mother's Ruin is rather good. Despite the somewhat retroish sounds, this album's soundscape is really pleasant. Especially the mastering has been done proficiently as the music seems to breathe. At times some parts are played fortissimo and those parts really do have that character also on this record. Overall, Oliver Wakeman has come up with rather good progrock record that'll appeal to fans of classic progressive rock. However, one should note that Wakeman's trademark style is audible, so this isn't exactly neoprog.

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- MAGE (June 4th, 2006)

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LINE-UP:
Wakeman, Oliver: Piano, Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar Pearce, David Mark: Electric Guitars Kinnaird, Moon: Vocals Wagstaffe, Dave: Drums and Percussion Buchanan, Tim: 4 and 5 String Basses
Producer:	Wakeman, Oliver
Mixing by:	Groom, Karl
Mastering by:	Aubrey, Rob

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Don't Come Running 02. The Agent 03. In the Movies 04. Walk Away 05. Mother's Ruin 06. Calling for You 07. If You're Leaving 08. I Don't Believe in Angels 09. Wall of Water Length: 52:19