THE WORLD IS FLAT AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE FACTS

For me, I will always associate Progress Records with Hansi Cross, who sadly passed away earlier this year. But, although Hansi is no longer with us, the label he left behind continues to release albums of incredible stature and worth. That is definitely the case with Dutch band Silhouette's fifth studio album. 'The World Is Flat and Other Alternative Facts'. Somehow, I missed their last studio album, although I did manage to hear their live album which was released earlier this year. I gave a 4 * review to their third album 'Across The Rubicon' which came out in 2012, and there is no doubt in my mind this is superior.

This has everything I want from a prog album, great melodies, wonderful musicianship, soaring vocals, layered arrangements that can appear almost simple at times, and never forgetting that the music always must come first. They may all have wonderful virtuoso skills, but how does that fit in with what is needed? Brian de Graeve (lead & backing vocals, 12-string guitar), Daniel van der Weijde (electric & acoustic guitars), Erik Laan (keyboards, bass pedals, lead & backing vocals), Jurjen Bergsma (bass, acoustic guitar, backing vocals) and Rob van Nieuwenhuijzen (drums, percussion) have created something that contains elements of Yes and Neal Morse alongside more melodic rock elements, as well as plenty if prog. The vocals are superb, and everything somehow gels together seamlessly. One can't imagine another instrument or note needed anywhere, yet there is nothing superfluous in what they are doing. This is majestic, soaring prog that makes me smile each time I play it. And I have been playing it a great deal indeed.

When discerning progheads compile their top albums of the year list soon, there is no doubt that this will be one to reckon with. From acoustic 12-string to heavily layered arrangements to rock guitar, this has it all and so very much more. I love it. This is simply essential to anyone who dares call themselves a progger.

1. "March Of Peace" (5:38) solid prog-by-numbers on the heavier side of Neo Prog. Actually kind of irritating. (7.75/10)

2. "The Flow" (8:46) a tender Neo Prog ballad enhanced nicely by classical instruments (violin, oboe, flute, French horn) and female background vocalistsi Nice fusion of heavier sides of Neo Prog with the traditional acoustic instruments. Just not catchy enough with melodic or lyrical hooks. Great guitar solo near the end and wonderful neoclassical finish. (17/20)

3. "Six Feet Underground" (9:35) opens with solo barroom jazz piano. Full band enters to establish its intentions at the end of the first minute. Everything drops out for solo synth strings to support Brian de Graeve's lead vocal. Piano and 12-string guitar join before the music builds back up into full spectrum dynamics. The almost-catchy melodies and lyrics remind me of soul-less American Neo Prog-by-the-numbers band SPOCK'S BEARD. Solid music littered with too many standard and therefore predictable (almost embarrassing or laughable) prog "tricks" or "gimmicks." Plus, the plastic sound of the drum hits annoy me. (16/20)

4. "Symphony For A Perfect Moment" (17:56) is this the same band? It sounds so much more relaxed, so much smoother and melodic. The sound palette is much more like BIG BIG TRAIN or LIFESIGNS. There's a wonderful AMBROSIA-like palette to the vocal harmonies and melodies. I think the relaxed pace and warm palette suits this band much better than that of the heavier Neo Prog. Plus, the multi-voiced side of the band is quite beautiful. The band hits all of the right notes, chords, and shifts without being predictable or too repetitive. How can a band that sounded so one-dimensional in its previous three songs suddenly sound so fresh and creatively perfect? (33/35)

5. "Sakura" (2:50) nylon-stringed guitar solo with synth support. (4.5/5)

6. "Turn It Off" (5:29) opens with classical guitar and synths before Brian enters to tell his sad story. The "orchestral" music here may be entirely generated by synths (except for the guitar and voice). Oboe enters in the instrumental section to solo before the music burst into a full electric prog rock range of instruments and sound. The use of oboe and other acoustic instruments is perfect. (8.75/10)

Total time 50:14

B/four stars; an excellent (if diverse and inconsistent) Neo Prog release that would make an excellent addition to any prog lover's music collection.