TORTOISE

Trion came about when Flamborough Head keyboard player Edo Spanninga wanted to test out some recording equipment. Edo brought in friends Eddie Mulder (guitars/bass etc, also Flamborough Head) and drummer Menno Boomsma (Odyssice) and Trion were born. The name came out of the fact that they were a trio, and also that Edo was going to use the mellotron exclusively throughout the album. This is an instrumental album, but vocals really aren't missed at all, as the music definitely reaches back to the Seventies when prog was at it's most popular. There are times when they sound a bit like Yes, or Genesis, but most of that is down to the main instrument being used. But although the mellotron is an important instrument within the group, there is also plenty of room for some very fine guitar as well as flute and oboe.

The drumming is just what one would expect, restrained yet bombastic, simple, but downright complex. This is music to drift into, to fall into a world that has long gone yet is still relevant today as long as there are people who want to enjoy it. The songs may drift into each other, but the first time I played this I sat there with a grin on my face as this is a joy from start to finish. As it is instrumental and not overbearing there is a danger that some people will only use this for background music but that will be their loss as this is mighty fine. An album that I enjoyed immensely, as will all other progheads who investigate it further.

Originally appeared in Feedback #78, April 2004