Muziekrecensies
‘T.A.P.’ is an international, instrumental studio band. ‘Paradigms’ is their debut album. They mix fusion, prog and ambient rock with jazz, ethnic influences and soundscapes, among others. There are changes in styles, atmospheres and tempo. The differences in volume between the subdued/mysterious pieces and the rocking parts, for instance, are quite small. Occasionally, there are … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Multi-instrumentalist Darrel Treece-Birch is keyboardist of TEN and Nth Ascension. He also released a number of solo instrumental albums under his own name, including ‘Healing Touch’ (2017.) Now ‘Choices’ is out, the debut album by his Melodic prog rock band ‘Atlantea’. This concept album is about situations in life, such as hope and fear. And … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Damian Wilson has been active for 30 years as frontman of several bands. He celebrated this anniversary with his ‘One Knight Only’ tour, which featured five musicians. Some of these include band members of Lalu, of which Damian is frontman. Other bands Damian has been a part of include Threshold, Landmarq and Headspace. He has … Read more, available in English and Dutch
‘Virgin Grounds’ is the new CD by composer/keyboardist Ton Scherpenzeel. On this, there are only two new songs: ‘Departure’ and ‘Arrival’. The rest comes from ‘Orion’ (1991), some of the tracks rearranged. You can hear the “synth atmosphere” of the late ’80s early ’90s as early as ‘Departure’, and it persists throughout. Overall, the sound … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Whoever says Focus, says Thijs van Leer. The band has been around for over 50 years, fans of all ages visit their concerts. So too on Sunday afternoon 29 October in De Bosuil in Weert. The youngest fan was still in primary school age. Before the concert started, visitors were welcomed by Peter Verkennis of … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Tony Romero’s second album from Vortex is called ‘Zen’. The 9 instrumental tracks are mostly made for relaxation and meditation. Yet the pace in ‘Africa’ is a bit faster than expected. It contains a mix of instrumental (slightly classical) atmospheric elements and electronic sounds. In the restful epic ‘Ocean’, you won’t hear waves rustling, but … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Poor Genetic Material is a prog band. For the album ‘Elsewhere’, they worked with a smaller line-up. As a result, there are some differences, but also definitely similarities with the earlier albums. ‘The Colour Of Happiness’ has a pleasant mid-paced start. The rhythm section has an important part which is nicely complemented by higher notes. … Read more, available in English and Dutch
‘The Lightmaker’ is the new concept album by prog band ‘Nine Skies’.A man (Rudy) is living his 1001st and therefore his last life. He describes thevarious characters of the incarnations. The various guest vocalists (including Kristoffer Gildenlöw), clarify these characters. Certain parts of the text narrated, or whispered. There are nice changes in tempo and/or … Read more, available in English and Dutch
‘Nova Cascade’ plays ambient art and prog rock. Electronic sounds play an important role, rhythm is secondary. The start of ‘Sleeping Dogs’ is beautiful. Vocals and music form an ultimate balance. Especially the details of the violin are intriguing. The title track (with flute playing) is exceptionally constructed, but the “percussion” lacks warmth. Real drums … Read more, available in English and Dutch
‘Foxtrot’ is perhaps Genesis’ most beloved album. In honour of the fiftieth anniversary of this album, guitar virtuoso Steve Hackett planned a tour. He was joined by Rob Townsend, Nad Sylvan and Amanda Lehmann, among others. On ‘Foxtrot at Fifty + Hackett Highlights: Live in Brighton’ you will not only hear tracks from the album … Read more, available in English and Dutch