WINTRUP

This is actually one of my favorite albums ever. The songwriting is organic and unformulaic, with memorable riffs and shifting song structures that sometimes meld into powerful jams. Very nice use of sound mixing and atmospheric effects as well - they never sound sterile or overworked. I am one who always liked Kraan's vocals, even Peter Wolbrandt at his most feral, unintelligible and raucous - the vocals rock. Silver Wings starts informally, then the first great riff starts and finally leads into an exciting jam. Some other favorite parts are the delicate opening and the urgent meter changes in Backs, Wintrup with its ethereal vocal refrain and acoustic guitar solo, and the dangerous guitar riff and rhythm section in Jack Steam. These guys play it like they mean it here. As has been said, the production is excellent, with an immediacy, intimacy and energy that is rare. I give it 4 stars out of 5 because although it's one of my favorites, it may be too quirky or just not "prog" enough for some.