WHEN THE DUST SETTLES

I am totally stunned that there are no reviews with a comment for this good Dutch band. OK, they don't play in the major league, they might sound retro-prog; but still: their music is very pleasant and should draw much more of your attention. I just hope that justice will be done with my humble contribution.

When you listen to this album, you will be brought into some of the great bands who are the heart and soul of this site. Some might find this irritating (and I belong to these at times as well) but this is a nice trip into past glory; but with some modern and catchy touch.

The opener "King Of A Day" should please any "Yes" or "Genesis" fans (in terms of music) combined with "Gentle Giant" ones (for some vocal parts). Complex and simple at the same time, this fine symphonic piece is an excellent start.

I even find that Japp Langereis has improved in his vocal duties in comparison with their debut album. His name is also funny (but you need to grab some Dutch to get it): it literally means long trip. This song holds a fine melody and even borrows some lines to "Watcher Of The Skies" of which you might have heard already.(ah, quand tu nous tiens.).

A song as "September Weeps" is so moving, so melodic. the delicate piano play is outstanding and what to say about but a so emotional guitar break. Some might find this mellow, but I am just found of these moments. A fine track indeed.

The shadow of Watcher is again hanging over the intro of "Three". I might be on a good mood tonight but I really like these seventies sounds which are making every second of this track a pretty good and wonderfully symphonic matter. This is a fine instrumental which can be also related to ELP of course. And I like it quite a bunch.

The closing "Dubious Dried Ink" also holds some gorgeous synth parts. OK, they are Banks oriented, but I told you, I'm in a good mood tonight and I am so enchanted with those sounds from my youth. Did I say nostalgia?

To be complete, there is an almost twenty minutes epic song called "Time To Fantasize" as well. The intro is a splendid band's work: each of the musician being so much in line with his colleagues; and to perform this gentle yet sophisticated music is such a beautiful treat.

If I had one negative comment about "Time.", it would be the lead vocals which are closer to the ones of their debut album than what we could experience on "When The Dust Settles". But even if most of this track is on the mellowish side, there are some fine synths and GG type of vocals. Some will say: again. But they are so pleasant.

IMHHO this good Dutch band holds the symphonic flag pretty high in the prog sky. Together with their excellent Dutch colleagues "Knight Area". Two good examples of the lively Dutch scene. It is a pity though that so little information is available from this band.

I like this album very much. When I discovered it, I rated with "Y" which means "Yes" which means five stars in my jargon. I wouldn't rate it that high for my official post (it is somewhat too derivative to achieve the highest rating) but I grant it four stars.

This is a very good achievement and a very enjoyable album. From A to Z. A fantastic return to days I would like to return to. Unfortunately it is physically not possible; but musically, such a good work helps.

Although I thought I had quite some knowledge about the dutch prog scene thanks to some friends in there (hi Erik & Henk!), I had never heard about this band till very recently when I found this CD totally by chance in a friend´s house. It amazed me that such talented and strong group is hardly mentioned on the many prog forums I visited. Nevertheless, it is always good to discover such fine piece of work.

The production of the album is very good, and I was amazed to find that Salmon is only a quartet. They play like a seven member outfit! Their sound is a good mix of many different influences played through some modern hands. There are hints of Yes, Genesis and others, but generally they have a sound of their own. Their Gentle Giant-like harmony vocals are some of the more tasteful and beautiful I have ever heard: it fitted their style like a glove. Much better then a lot of groups that seem to try emulate GG without ever grasping that legendary band´s knack for the simple tune (yes, behind all their complexity GG knew all along that less is more!).

The CD has no highlights, all the songs deserve a careful listen. The tracks are quite varied and yet retain a cohesive whole. Even if it is not perfect, When The Dust Settles shows that Salmon has both the chops and the songwriting skills to become one of prog´s most proeminent acts to appear in latter days. If you, like me, never heard of Salmon, then there is still time to find this little symphonic gem. I´m looking forward to hear their future works. Highly recommended.

One of the nicest surprises so far this year. This Dutch band is under most proggers radar, but really deserves the scene's full recognition.

The mood and style of this album reminds me a lot about Cathedral's superb debut album Stained Glass Stories. Just a lot less heavier and more baroque. The similarities to Gentle Giant is obvious and clear. But Salmon does a more minimalistic symphonic prog than both Cathedral and Gentle Giant. Genesis is an obvious reference too. Salmon does their music in an understated, subtle manner. The instruments is low-key and subtle. The songs takes time to get through. This is not an ELP album. It is the opposite end of the symphonic prog spectrum from ELP and Trace.

....Still, Salmon is very symphonic and epic. The music is also very complex. The subtle use of vocals, synth, guitars, bass and drums is very elegant. Less is more. The music contains some superb solos. The vocals too are superb. The songs are superb too. This is an album well worth checking out and I regard it as a treasure in my large collection of music. Salmon is most definate on my list of bands I need to check out.

4 stars

Music refined on a good foundation of keyboards, and arpeggiated guitars.

The voice is also characteristic and protagonist. A good rhythmic bass accompaniment, and drums neat, punctual. It is a product rather thoughtful and to listen carefully. Especially in Time to Fantasize perceived this.

Do not expect deployments energy or power, the pace is slow and thoughtful. With variations and twists, but never dramatic or dissonant. Keyboards solos abound and some vocal harmonies. It is close to a neo symphonic at times.

September Weeps contains a beautiful melody and folk, is executed with emotion as very quiet.

Three is more energetic, with an introduction to the style of The Knife, but instrumental. From the second minute, the music regains normal rhythm, with guitar and piano as main protagonists.

Finally, I mention Dubious Dried Ink. Close the work leaving a good musical tastes, and touring like landscapes above.

It is melodic and diverse work, but do not blow your mind. 4 stars well deserved.

3.5 stars for sure

Salmon was a short lived neo/symphonic prog band from Holland with 2 albums in their pockets until disbanded in 2005. Clearly influenced by legends such as Camel, Marillion or IQ, but with all that their both albums are pretty well regarded among fans. If the debut from 2001 was a good one in all aspects, their second offer When the dust settles from 2004 is a real winner from start to finish. Now, to my ears this release is 24 carat neo prog with all the ingredients to be a succesful album in this field, long pieces with one of them Time to Fantasize clocking around 20 min are pure delight to listner. Elaborated arrangements, specialy the keyboards are excellent, the guitars are melodic, pleasent voice and all is top. What I found more diving into their music, and specially here on this second offer is that in places Salmon is influenced by Gentle Giant, same complicated vocal harmonies and aswell the instrumental sections. All pieces stands as great, not a weak moment here. My fav remaining maybe the longest one Time to Fantasize, remarcable passages, sensitive guitars and keyboards and well performed aswell. All in all while this awas a very promissing release, the band split up a year later, gone into oblivion, but for those who will find Salmon music, both albums worth investigated, specily the second album is awesome. 3.5 stars for sure, that is good to great.