DE OPTOCHT

On their 9th album, Flairck has distilled everything they are about into one album. This album. You find plenty of their symphonic prog, folk rock, pop, avant-garde and the jazz stuff they did on their first album on De Optocht. Which makes this album an excellent intro to this incredible band. De Optocht is also a concept album too. Very symphonic prog, in other words. And the symphonic prog lovers will also find a lot of familiar themes on this album. The music though is acoustic with guitars, violins, pan flutes and some obscure instruments replacing the usual symphonic prog instruments (mellotron, electric guitars and Hammond). Besides of that; this is a symphonic prog album. Added to the acoustic instruments, Erik Visser is also contributing with some vocals and narrative spoken words. Dutch vocals, that is. Which is a welcome change from the usual English vocals we get from prog bands.

The quality is great throughout. The rather somber, dynamic and pastoral music is superb. The concept seems to have a purpose. This whole album is simply a great concept album.

If you can get hold of this album, it is a very good introduction to Flairck. I love this album.

4.5 stars