Esoteric Antenna (label)
24 October 2014 (released)
18 November 2014
Yet more proof that there is modern music with character and integrity – no bombast or outrageous excess, just some superb playing and songs that have an almost symphonic structure.
They come out of Belgium but additionally they can boast Nick Beggs on basses and guest appearances from the likes of Theo Travis.
The 11 songs here have an ethereal quality, vocals pitched high and plenty of synth atmosphere but the melodies are strong and Marty Townshend’s guitars and mandolins are used as a highly effective underpoint to the keyboards of William Beckers, and Frank Van Bogaert. Marcus Weymaere’s drums and percussion drives them along and Mr Beggs’s bass playing is its remarkable self.
I have listened to the album now around a dozen times and I cannot really find a fault with it. The playing is superb and the musicianship matches the strength of the songwriting. These are actual songs and could comfortably fit into an AOR collection if it weren’t for their themes which eschew the predictable or the bland.
At times there are overtones of Floyd but also Yes but overall this is clearly original and gets better and more intense with every listen.
The album is remarkable for its content and originality and sits well alongside bands like Lifesigns or Sanguine Hum – I’d love to see them live.
