SLEIGHT OF HAND

I've just realized that FLAIRCK has been added here at this site. Since I knew this site in 2004, I thought FLAIRCK should be added here because the music is for sure a progressive music one. My first introduction to the band was when prog music was in downturn sometime in early 80s and I found "Sleight of Hand" as my first introduction to the band. My initial reaction about the band was that it uses more acoustic instruments than those electric with heavy influences from classical music. The music is not complex and I believe most people would enjoy listening to their music. With guest vocal of Maggie Reilly, it makes the music sounds good.

The opening track "At the Blacksmith's Hand" (part 1) (4:46) sounds like a light classical music with excellent string arrangements using woodwind, violin and harp. The album title "Sleight of Hand" (6:07) continues the music in similar vein with more dynamic use of flutes augmented by violin and harp. The album also features track with pop orientation like "Walk Upon Dreams" (4:39) which features clean vocal line by Maggie and soft string arrangements.

Overall, this is a very good album with intense classical music components using mostly acoustic instruments. The band is led by an Indonesian born Erik Visser. Flairck did a concert in Bandung, Indonesia, couple of years ago. Unfortunately I was not aware because it was performed in Bandung, West Java.

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW