IMPRESSION

First class instrumental prog music that never falls into the trap of pointless noodlings and/or boring jams. Those guys really know how to write music that please the ears and use their obvious talents and skills to highlight melodies and arrangements. Some people described Odyssice as ´Camel with ethnic rhythms´ which, to me is not quite right. True, they do have a strong Camel influence (specially the guitar parts) and do use some eastern rhythms here and there, but clearly they have mastered their own sound by the time they recorded Impression. And what a damn good band they are!

Their sound is a excellent mix of old and new, using some keyboards timbres of the 70´s and a guitarrist that knows how to make his guitar sings! Bastiann Peters solos are just gorgeous, reaching the sublime in many occaions. If Andrew Latimer has a spiritual and musical heir this might be the guy! keyboardsman Van der Wiel is also notable for his originality and tasteful parts. Bass and drums are superb, strong and creative. In all, a fantastic band that needs no singer to make great music.Production is also top notch.

The album is not perfect, of course. I still think some songs are better than others, but none is crap or even weak (except maube for the recording of the traditional Flower Of Scotland, but it is so short it does not bother me at all). Impressions is one of the best prog albums in general and, together with Trion, the best instrumental prog album in many, many years. I really hope Odyssice will come up with more CDs like this one. I´m looking forward to hear from them. Highly recommended to any prog lover or music fans in general. 4,5 stars.

Thanks to Erik Neuteboom for his advice about the band.