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Flamborough Head - One for the Crow CD (album) cover

ONE FOR THE CROW

Flamborough Head

 

Neo-Prog

3.56 | 53 ratings

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apps79
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
3 stars The rise of a band can have also some negative effects.In the case of Flamborough Head and their growing fame this would mean that Andre Cents and Siebe Rein Schaaf apparently couldn't deal with a heavier schedule and decided to say goodbye.The first solution was actually living next to keyboardist Edo Spanninga, it was his wife Margriet, who could sing and play the flute.Eddie Mulder was the new guitarist, with whom Spanninga would form also Trion.Margriet instantly became the lyricist of the band and the rapid changes brought another album in 2002 on Cyclops, ''One for the crow''.

Changing from a male to a female singer and adding some flute in the process obviously affected Flamborough Head's style, which now shifted even more towards 70's Symphonic Rock.You can forget about the Neo Prog qualities of the previous releases and be ready to face a classic-oriented Prog Rock release, which comes as a cross between CAMEL, RENAISSANCE and GENESIS.The new path of the band included a more pronounced use of analog keyboards (organ, Mellotron), the popping sound of flutes and a reduced synth content.The result is a vintage-flavored Progressive Rock release with long, lush and completely symphonic arrangements, where melodies and atmospheric parts combine.What hasn't changed a bit is the ability of the band to offer dramatic instrumentals and more positive vibes at the same time, with the flute delivering a folky touch, the Mellotron reminding of the nostalgic era of Prog music and the guitar work being pretty great with lots of emotional soloing.Of course synthesizers are still present, but they are mostly delivered as a sandwich between flutes, piano, Mellotron and organ, the 70's are fully reincarnated in yet another aspect of Flamborough Head's music.Margriet Boomsma comes as a good replacement on vocals, having a non-accented and expressive voice for a more refined lyrical delivery.Regarding the compositions these are in a very good level, not very personal or moreover genuine, but featuring nice orchestrations and a rich sound, despite the reduction of the decibels.

A new era begins for Flamborough Head with a very good album.They did a pretty great job on their new style, which was 70's-influenced Symphonic Rock in the vein of CAMEL, GENESIS and RENAISSANCE with polished and well-crafted mini suites.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.

apps79 | 3/5 |

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