THE DAME

This is the debut album from Dutch neo-prog band The Dame, which as the name might suggest is built heavily around the female lead singer, Marian van Charante. They have been gaining a lot of attention for their image and style, as apparently they aim to convey a feeling of the Roaring Twenties in what they do, although it must be said that with a download as opposed to a CD that isn't necessarily apparent. For the most part, the keyboards are actually quite basic and in the background, but given that Thijs de Ruijter is actually the son of the guitarist Stephen and is just 16 years old perhaps that is understandable.

The songs feel like stories, which is very much a positive, and Marian moves between singing softly and bringing in elements of Alanis Morissette with her phrasing. It is pleasant enough, but this just doesn't shine the way it should. Some of that is down to the arrangements which feel a little clunky at times, and the production which often pushes the snare drum over the top of the guitar. The use of acoustic guitar as an additional rhythm works well, but I can't get nearly as excited over this as many others seem to be.

Time to drink champagne and dance on the table? THE DAME is a new band from The Hague, Netherlands, with a well thought out corporate identy. On one hand they are fronted by a lady, Madame Marian van Charante, who is provided with an excellent singing voice, right in the same way like Anneke van Giersbergen maybe. Furthermore cover art and videos are clearly pointing to the early 1900 decades. But if one expects to hear Can-Can stuff or something like that, will totally fail. Sophisticated compositions, neo and art rock styled however, with a clear prog signature. And so I'm occasionally detecting glimpses of The Far Meadow, Believe, The Gathering, just for a proper orientation.

While definitely focussed on exceptional vocals a lot, the instrumental share is flawless too, serves a comfortable frame. Charming here, grooving there, something melodic and accessible in any case. Choosing the album's title track, well, they've hit the nail right on the head, this including superb acoustic and electric guitar work. A splendid one for sure. Even the really extended Conviniently Distant appears to be entertaining. A very nice album, on rare occasions equipped with a heavier edge. Chapeau so much the more as this one seems to be completely self produced!