TALES OF IMPERFECTION

The Dutch sympho band Flamborough Head has definitely grown mature since their last album (almost 4 years ago) One for the Crow. Their new CD Tales of Imperfection offers seven songs, three of them instrumental. The songs are very diverse, some rush moments mixed with delicated melodies. The musicianship is very high, especially the skills Eddie Mulder (guitars) and Koen Roozen (drums) are impressive. To complete the line-up: Edo Spanninga (keyboards), Marcel Derix (bass) and Margriet Boomsma (lead vocals and flutes).

The CD kicks off with the instrumental 'For Starters', a beautiful composition. Margriet is great on the flute. 'Maureen' is a very diverse song with many different moods. During almost 12 minutes the song constantly changes but is still very cohesive. It makes sence all along. The third song 'Higher Ground' is an instrumental again. It reminds me of The Flower Kings' work. Nice tune! Next is 'Silent Stranger', the only weak spot on the album IMHO. The vocals of Margriet sound very hard and without emotion. But then comes 'Captive Of Fate', a beautiful arrangement with great harmonies! 'Mantova' (or should I say "Mexico") is the third and to me the most brilliant instrumental on the album. It has an addicting drive (I want to hear this song over and over again) and the interplay between guitar and keys is fascinating!Highlight on the CD. 'Year After Year' is a good song, nothing more and nothing less.

All in all a very good album! There is happening a lot in a musical way, you never get bored. Eventhough the vocal parts of Margriet are much better than they were on OFTC, it still isn't that vocal treat you are hoping for in this genre of music. The music of Flamborough Head has f.i. an undeniable echo from Renaissance, but Margriet never reminds me of Annie Haslam. But overall: highly recommended to all the fans of real symphonic prog with a taste of folk (and even some neo-prog)

Rating: I would say 3 stars, well...3,5 really. As Mister Widayanto likes to say: Keep on proggin'!