Muziekrecensies
Esther Kessel-Tamerus The two-piece band ‘The Mono Kids’ (from Eindhoven) has been around for about one and a half year. But this pair have known each other for decades. They played together in several bands, including ‘The Galactic Lo Fi Orcherstra’.The guys have been featured at Paradiso, at Noorderslag, and in a clip on MTV, among others. … Read more, available in English and Dutch
‘Pace of Change’ is the second album by prog rockers Catalyst*R. The album has unusual twists, details and sound effects/sampled sounds, as in the opening track ‘Pace of Change’. The difference in volume between the lightly and more heavily played parts is somewhat small. Damien’s (stacked) vocals are mostly in the lighter parts. The drumming … Read more, available in English and Dutch
The story behind the new rock opera ‘Hollingsworth Mansion’ is extraordinary: In 1808, the Hollingsworth family died because their stand-alone house burned down. After restoration, the property was residenced by several families. In 1931 the Welbourne family moved in. It should have been a beautiful new beginning…. To understand the story, it is important to … Read more, available in English and Dutch
‘For All We Know’ is the project of guitarist Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation). ‘By Design Or By’ hides some “easter eggs”: A few melodies from his two previous albums can be heard here in renewed form. The lyrics deal with a young man’s relationships: with his parents, lovers and with his own children. The album … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Singer Phil Bee won several Dutch Blues Awards. He was also singer of the Jan Akkerman band and toured with Steve Lukather, among others. He won the Voice Senior (2021) and was a finalist at The Tribute, Battle of the Bands (2024). On the first Sunday of March, Phil Bee and band performed at De … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Last year, Einar Solberg (frontman of Norwegian prog metal Leprous) launched his debut solo album titled ’16’. In February 2022, he made himself very vulnerable by giving an entirely solo live stream (with an audience). This was his reinterpretation of the Leprous album ‘The Congregation’ (2015). Fortunately, recordings were made of this, which resulted in … Read more, available in English and Dutch
‘BloYaTop’ fans are used to the “new” band name ‘Baby Killed the Roses’ (BKTR). For their self-titled album, the men collaborated with Mario Goossens (Triggerfinger). They returned to the roots of rock, including analogue recordings.You can already feel the energy on the opening track. The drumming is dynamic, the guitar riffs are delightful, there is … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Early January, Magnum’s guitarist/songwriter Tony Clarkin passed away. The release of ‘Here Comes the Rain was scheduled for the following week. The band decided to release their 23rd studio album as usual. On this varied album, you will hear rock (‘n’ roll), slightly sugary, melodic and tender songs. Light classical elements return several times. Sometimes … Read more, available in English and Dutch
About a year ago, German singer/multi-instrumentalist Noel Husser launched the single ‘Footprints’. This is standalone from his new EP, which he will soon release on his own.The EP ‘Beyond’ is more or less a melange of his fantastic concept album ‘Tell Me Who I Am’ (2017) and the melodic album ‘A Little Dream’ (2020). Vocally … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Elettra Storm is a new powermetal band from Italy. ‘Powerlords’ is their debut album, which will be released 16 February. The two vocalists sing about archangels, moon goddesses and underground civilisations. Daily exhaustion, plus the good and bad things about humans are also mentioned. Singer Crystal Emiliani seems to hit the high notes easily. Her … Read more, available in English and Dutch