EKSEPTION 3

I was quite taken away when I first heard Ekseption at the beginning of my prog-rock listening career because it sounded so unique to me to blend classical rock with music. As years went by, I find their music highly derivative, with little additional input and lacking the one-of-a-kind stamp. It cannot be denied that the players are skilled and can switch from classical music to rock or jazz-rock. The greatest attraction is never a dull moment playing by Van der Linden, his array of keyboards is astounding and there are so many different moods, from solemn, celebrating to pompous, laid-back or uplifting. Not an album that you would listen to multiple times to discover new aspects - just listen to the tight interplay, great keyboard solos and ignore the classical music rip-offs. For those searching for more substance and sense of originality, go listen to "Trace" also with van Der Linden behind the keyboards but better developed. To listen to more ambitious prog-classical music, you'd better spend time with ELP, Nice or the first two albums by Electric Light Orchestra.