Lead by Jeffrey J. Sanders of Fairhaven, Massachusetts (with a host of session musicians), Mountain Mirrors takes the best moments of Opeth’s stunning Damnation album and adds a tough 60’s/70’s psychedelic folk and progressive rock influence forming something I would label as acoustic progressive folk rock music. Take softly plucked acoustic guitars, light percussion, trippy/groovy keyboards, symphonic undertones, breathtaking vocals and thoughtful lyrics alongside a slew of emotional sentiments and I've almost described what Mountain Mirrors sounds like. Problem is though Mountain Mirrors sound really goes beyond simple description.
Songs like, ‘Stay Evil’ or ‘Your Time Has Come’ are more upbeat and showcase the strongest psychedelic/progressive influences, while, ‘Calm Before the Storm’ or ‘Deploribus Unum’ are much more melancholic sounding, whilst the album concludes with a stunning dark atmospheric instrumental calle,d ‘Praying Mantis.’ What’s more everything on the album is performed superbly; the musicianship, production, artwork, vocals, lyrics…everything, simply marvelous.
Since this second album Jeffrey went on to release another full-length album in 2008 called, 'Dreadnought' as well as an EP the following year. As good as they were they still fell short of capturing the same feeling this album holds. I must admit if you have any love for bands like Pink Floyd, Opeth, King Crimson, Porcupine Tree, Nick Drake and Alice in Chain's acoustic work, than be absolutely sure to check out Jeffrey’s masterful Mountain Mirrors.
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