PILGRIM

In 2003 the Dutch trio Trion (an abbreviation of the words trio and Mellotron) released their debut CD entitled Tortoise, a wonderful symphonic prog album layered with beautiful Mellotron samples. It was received very well by the press and progrock fans and soon Colossus (Finnish Progressvie Rock Society) invited Trion to contribute to the 2-CD The Spaghetti Epic (featuring progrock bands from all over the world). Trion was OK and delivered the epic Frank. This composition can be found on this new CD (in a re-arranged version) while originally Trion was only founded to make one album!

Listening to Pilgrim I notice a huge progress in comparison with their first effort, way more dynamic and alternating, also due to the more varied vintage keyboard sound. That variety is very present in the first song Pilgrim: a violin-Mellotron intro, a piece with Fender Rhodes piano and a sensitive guitar solo, a compelling rhythm with Hammond organ runs and propulsive guiar riffs, a mid- tempo with fluent synthesizer flights and a final part with first fragile Grand piano/Mellotron and then organ, Mellotron and slide guitar, wonderful! In the other tracks the atmospheres range from dreamy to compelling with echoes from Seventies Camel, Genesis and Focus. Especially the interplay between organ and Mellotron with the electric guitar is beautiful and moving, like in Silence of the Universe, Giant Man, The Deep Ocean and Out There Somewhere. In between we hear interludes with warm play on classical - and acoustic guitar like in How We Used To Go (solo piece) and Reveal The Mystery (wonderful interplay between organ and Mellotron). Also worth to listen to are the tracks The Book (majestic church organ sound aling slide guitar and Mellotron) and the mellow A Dream (warm sound of the Grand piano and fragile acoustic guitar). But the absolute highlight is the final composition Frank: it begins with twanging 12-string guitar (like early Genesis) and violin-Mellotron, then lots of shifting moods (with moving guitar, beautiful Mellotron), a captivating duel between fiery guitar and fluent synthesizer runs and a compelling grand finale delivering a long and moving guitar solo, supported by mellow organ and strong drums, this is Progheaven!

What a wonderful album, I am glad Trion decided not to remain an one-shot-band!