AWAKING THE MUSE

If 2009 was a good year for Neo-Prog, I must have died and gone to heaven. I first heard this outfit on Morow, and something about them sunk in deep and grabbed hold with sharpened tentacles. It's neo-, yes. It's symphonic, check. But then it's something more. An intangible. It's melodic and catchy without being trite or "heard that before". Something about this band - and I think it's the use of two keyboard players and the quirky, Rick Davies-ish vocals - that summons images of (are you ready for this?) Supertramp!! And that's a really, strong positive, because Supertramp was one of THE most unique bands that ever layed music to grooves. My personal favorite tracks on this marvelous debut CD are "Eyes Wide Open" and "Secret Gardener" (with its little elf-like snickers every here and there). This music is somber, sober, yet somehow playful as well. It is (in my mind) one of THE best-kept secrets (well, they may not be a secret much longer) out of Holland, that hotbed of neo- and symphonic-progressive rock. Hopefully, this band's wellspring of creativity will continue to thrive for a long time. They are a joy to listen to. My rating: 4-1/2 stars