QUEST FOR THE HEARTLAND

RICOCHER were formed in 1993 in The Netherlands. The first years they were playing prog covers, but as the years passed, their own material got a bigger part of their set-list. With the release of their self-financed debut CD "Quest for the Heartland" the covers are gone, and the CD contains four of their own compositions. Their own material is neo-progressive rock with reminiscences to ARENA, ASIA, FORGOTTEN SUNS, MARILLION and PENDRAGON. The vocalist Erwin Boerenkamps has a very good voice. When I first saw the magnificent cover artwork I instantly got the impression that it was made by Mattias Norén. I searched for the sleeve notes inside the CD-booklet and got it confirmed. "Quest for the Heartland" is a very strong debut album, although it lacks some originality. But RICOCHER has the potential to become the next big band in the neo-progressive genre.

As with most neo prog music I have discovered, this EP got the maximum rate when I fist listened to it several years ago (I have had the habit in rating music while I listen to it for quite a long time already).

I have to say that I'll be much more reluctant in providing the highest rate for it now. Maybe because in the meantime, I have listened to more than three hundred albums from this genre.

The music proposed is quite decent though: a fine vocalist, some nice melodies and a very typical neo- style of course. At times, this band reminds me of ''Grey Lady Down'', but in a less passionate and inspired version.

My fave moment here is ''Life in your Mind''. But it is maybe because ''Your Pride'' sounds too much popish (although the upbeat tempo is quite catchy), and ''The Code'' sounds maybe too much pompous (especially during the intro).

The title track is also a fine moment of this offering. Vocals are quite good to say the truth. And as it is often the case within this musical style, the guitar work is fully on par and offers some great time here as well.

This EP is a good one and as such I guess that the three stars rating is totally appropriate.

Formed in 1993 in Deurne in the region of North Brabant,RICOCHER started as ''Truss'',being mainly a cover band,before releasing a demo tape entitled ''A Scream For Help'' in 1994,already having changed their name to RICOCHER.The years brought the departure of original guitarist Kimmo Zegers and the arrival of Bart Van Helmond.The new stable line-up recorded the 4-track EP ''Quest For The Heartland'' in 2000 with an excellent cover painted by Mattias Noren.

STYLE: The sound of the band has a lot of similarities to other Dutch Neo Prog groups of the time and the ever-growing UK neo scene.It falls somewhere between catchy Neo Progressive and melodic Symphonic Rock with evident emphasis on qualitive vocal lines,floating keyboards and impressive solos.Plenty of rhythmic parts,changing tempos between songs,but also a good dose of symphonic keys' arrangements.The sound of the guitars is pretty heavy but carefully mixed to fall into the Prog Rock category.The overall result is a mini-album with plenty of memorable moments to satisfy the listener of easy-going modern prog.

SOUNDS/INFLUENCES: The biggest influence had to be ARENA,this EP holds a lot of the ''The pride'' or ''The visitor'' atmosphere,especially on the long title track.Other good reference points are LANDMARQ,MARILLION,MINDGAMES as well as Dutch fellows NOVEMBER,PTS and TIMELOCK.

PLUS: For a Neo Prog band,RICOCHER know exactly what the league's demands.A very clean production supported by an inpressive artwork.Lots of decent guitar solos.A good vocalist to support the album's atmosphere.A nice balance between more catchy and more challenging moments.

MINUS: As most of current neo bands,RICOCHER do not have their own personality.The music is played in a very safe way with no risks.We have heard tons of bands trying to play such kind of music,so it is very hard to get their own identity.

WILL APPEAL TO: ...Fans of Neo/Symphonic Prog and melodic prog.

CONCLUSION/RATING: ''Quest For The Heartland'' belongs pretty much among the albums I love to hate and I hate to love.Decent musicianship,talented musicians, nice balanced tracks but with not even a trace of adventure for a demanding ear.3 stars that is.