The Spanish band Regna was formed in 2015 in Barcelona, offering Symphonic Prog sung in English. The new album, titled “Cinema,” is reissued on April 2025 via Astronomy Recording Music. Originally released in 2023 by the band, a bonus track “Curtains,” has been added to this new edition. The album opens with a short intro “Opening Credits,” featuring a sumptuous organ that takes us into the following. “Return To…” takes us to explore the Progressive sounds of the past in a modern key, with rich keyboard textures driving the sound. The rhythm section is solid and elaborate, enriched by the tempo changes that evolve the central theme of the piece by interweaving intense vocals and refined instrumental sections. After the overwhelming previous track, “Spyglass” opens with dreamy acoustic guitar arpeggios and a warm, expressive vocal. The intensity increases as the minutes go by, developing elaborate Progressive textures with prominent guitar and keyboards and a technical rhythm section. The references to the masters of the early 70s are evident, but the band adds its own personal touch and taste to the composition, bringing the sound into a fresh and modern context. Very interesting are the instrumental openings, which in the second half highlight a prolonged synth solo. The last long track before the final epic suite, “Tangent,” is energetic and very elaborate in structure. The continuous tempo changes and complex guitar and keyboard textures take the sound to another level. An incisive vocal intensely interprets the lyrics, which are interwoven with instrumental passages that recall the Genesis‘ style. In the second part, the band offers a symphonic and dreamy instrumental section with keyboards in evidence. “Dramatis Personae” is a short keyboard interlude that takes us toward the suite that concludes the album. Here we come to the final epic track, titled “Accolade” and lasting over 20 minutes. As with every track of this type, the band explores the different facets that characterize their style, creating a piece to listen to and re-listen to as loudly as the entire album. A very interesting work, which is reissued today, giving due recognition to a mature work, full of quality ideas, which enhance the compositional and performing technique of the band. A recommended listen for all lovers of traditional Progressive Rock sounds, with valuable guitar-keyboard textures, a solid and elaborate rhythm section, and warm and expressive vocals.
Tracklist
01. Opening Credits (00:58)
02. Return To… (06:30)
03. Spyglass (08:16)
04. Tangent (08:38)
05. Dramatis Personae (01:31)
06. Accolade (20:27)
07. Curtains [digital bonus] (02:15)
Lineup
Alejandro Domínguez / Guitar
Arturo García / Bass
Miquel González / Keyboards
Marc Illa / Vocals
Eric Lavado / Drums
Xavier Martínez / Guitar