LEAP DAY DEMO

Dutch outfit Leap Day was formed early in 2008, consisting partially of musicians known from other acts (Flamborough Head, King Eider, Nice Beaver) and partially of more unknown musical talents. In the autumn of 2008 they released a three track demo/promo CD; and soon after they got picked up by Polish label OSKAR, who'll issue their debut album in 2009 according to plan.

The Netherlands have a long tradition for the formation of bands exploring progressive rock; and in the barren decade of the 90's neo progressive outfits partially based in Netherlands and partially foreign acts promoted by Dutch label SI Music were amongst the few examples of progressive music relatively easy available for fans of progressive rock (the others mainly being releases from French label Musea Records and German label Music Is Intelligence).

And although other countries sprout a more prolific growth of progressive acts these days, it's always interesting when a new band forms in the Netherlands; at least when it consists at least partially of seasoned musicians.

The three compositions on this promotional release showcase a band with a sound at times heavily dominated by synths and keyboards; clearly influenced by Genesis in particular and 70's symphonic progressive rock of that era in general. The compositions are mostly slow to mid-paced, atmospheric guitar soloing adds to dreamy themes already set up by the keyboards; and the organ provides depth and a certain majestic feel when needed.

In sound this act comes across as a mix of vintage Marillion and The Flower Kings; with an emphasis of the former's more mellow explorations while the latter's influences are mainly found in a few spirited and energetic passages; where staccato themes and even some jazz-tinged elements creep in.

Well performed and well made; the three compositions on this promotional release indicates that another quality neo progressive outfit is starting out. It's not the most adventurous type of music made; but it's well crafted; and should be interesting to fans of the bands mentioned above; followers of the Dutch prog scene and people generally interested in atmospheric, melodic progressive rock.

Well, I fully admit I'm only able to review this one because someone has been so kind to put the whole demo on our site as streamsongs so then you just have to listen to these three songs and you can do the review.

I had already noticed this band (from my own country) some time ago because I regularly play the streamtracks on the subgenre's page to try to discover new bands. And this one is pretty new, they launched a debut album this running year and after hearing this demo I'm really contemplating to buy that one. I'm a bit confused though because two of the three songs on this demo are also on the album but the third is called Awaking the Muse and that is actually the title of the real album but is NOT one of the tracks there ! ???

Anyway, the songs on this demo are pleasant and promising. The vocals are (as so often in prog) the lesser aspect of the band but all other elements are at least ok. The instrumental handling as well as the compositions make me convinced Holland has another very fine neoband on the block. There is some resemblance with Flamborough Head's music but that is probably because founder Eddie Mulder is originally from that band.

Tough call between 3 and 4 stars but because this is just a demo and I truly believe they can do even better than this I will go for three here (3,4).