Released by: Glasville Records
Release Date: Out Now!!!
Genre: Progressive Rock
Links: http://www.aliquidlandscape.nl/
Line Up:
Niels van Dam: Guitar
Robert van Dam: Bass
Fons Herder: Vocals & guitar
Coen Speelman: Drums
Tracklist:
1. Nightingale Express
2. Wanderer s Log You
3. June Fifth
4. Phases
5. The Unreachable
6. Wanderer s Log Me
7. Thieves of Time
8. Out of Line
9. Come on Home
10. Wanderer s Log Storm
11. Secret Isle
I listen to music in hope of finding that one band, that one sound, that one album that just connects with me. Luckily for me, I’ve stumbled on a number of recordings over the years that have truly made me sit back and taken notice. That’s basically what happened the first time I heard A Liquid Landscape. To say that I enjoyed this album would be an understatement.
I have very eclectic music tastes. Sure, I listen to a ton of heavy music, but sometimes I enjoy stuff not quite as aggressive. I’m also a tremendous fan of progressive music. Nightingale Express, A Liquid Landscape’s debut CD, is prog at its finest. The opening and title track pretty much set the tone of the rest of the album. Laidback on the surface, but something is lurking underneath. One minute the song is lilting and soft, then suddenly the band switches gears into an angry, discordant riff. On top are the stunning vocals of Fons Herder. The passion and emotion in his voice hit home for sure. The lyrical cadence and phrasing is so unique yet familiar. There’s a bit of an Incubus influence, but not overtly. At other times you hear old school Genesis with a dash of King Crimson for good measure. But mostly, they’re simply themselves, which is perfect.
Nightingale Express is a concept album, which seems like a bold move for a new band to take on, but they definitely make it work for them. The story is about a journey, and that’s exactly what the album does to the listener emotionally. Guitarist Niels Van Dam is subtle in his attack on his instrument. He makes a lot of perfect choices in what he play’s, leaving space enough for the songs to say what they must. A Liquid Landscape seems to follow a minimalist approach to writing. Instead of playing flashy stuff proving their talent, they simply hold back and make a cohesive unit not often found in progressive music. Robert Van Dam (bass) and Coen Speelman (drums) provide a perfect rhythm for the songs as well.
This is one of those rare times a group of musicians combine together to create a spectacular album, that will likely be heard by very few. Sadly, most average music consumers won’t even give this band a chance, when in reality they’re playing music that far surpass’ that of the Top 40 crap out there. If I were to make a complaint it would be that sometimes the album is a bit too mellow, but that’s hardly anything worth complaining about. I really am blown away at how incredible this album is.
Written by Chris
Ratings Chris 8/10
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