THE FINNISHING TOUCH

Excellent instrumental album built around a simple, but touching Finnish folksong. This folksong is appearing and re-appearing in all sorts of arrangements and settings and dominates this album of the Dutch Life Line Project. A beautiful overture in a subdued mood, a subtle duet by a piano and oboe, a guitar and flute version, a classic jazz version with acoustic guitars and a very dynamic and a catchy folk metal version are all based on this simple Finnish song, a perfect leitmotiv!

In between there are instrumentals in several styles, but always linking in with progressive rock. Brillantly executed compositions, "Tricky Dicky Finds The Rainbows End", "Attical Problems" and "Theme Of James The Rover" are a flirt with jazz rock, while "I Miss You More" and the very beautiful "Desire" (great oboe part!!) present a more melodic symphonic rock. "Without Tears"even shows a touch of latin.

All arrangements are very detailed and well made, the sound may be a bit thin, but shows all details of the music and does justice to the perfection of the arrangements.

Sawtooth.