IMPRESSION

These guys surely went to the right CAMEL school of business: they've learnt all their chops, memorized every mood and every theme, probably even stole part of their soul along the way. ODYSSICE sound very much like the old masters and their album "Impression" features all of the well-known camelesque progressive elements such as the epic concept, mythical lyrics, luscious arrangements, soaring mlodies, right down to the weepy LATIMER guitar solos. Of course, there is - and always will be - only one CAMEL. For proof, "Impression" does not sustain the magic through out as CAMEL albums do, hence my 3-star rating (3 1/2 would perhaps have been more appropriate.)

The best tracks are the opener "Scream", a slow/fast/slow number that features old CAMEL elements mixed together (think back to the days of "Skylines"). "Señkan" is an exquisite slow track with an oriental/asiatic flavour. "Olympus" is a highly melodic mid-tempo tune that will sweep you off your feet right from the start: prominent synths, good drum play, varied themes and a dramatic dénouement. The title track "Impression" is an eerie guitar-dominated piece with haunting synths in the background and features no percussion whatsoever. "Crusader", whose arrangements are very reminiscent of ALAN PARSONS', is a fast piece that could have been a killer had it been done in 7/8 (somehow, this one just begs to be done in 7/8). "Anuradhapura" has a nice melody and is another track with highly ALAN PARSONS sound-alike arrangements. "Flower of Scotland" is a quiet, Celtic accoustic guitar piece reminiscent of CLANNAD's material. Finally, the epic closing track "A Prophet's Dream" (my personal favourite) doesn't sound like much at the beginning; if you care to hear listen, however, you'll be mightily rewarded. It's a slow builder with a highly memorable theme that ends up soaring high and mighty. Its pattern is very similar to that of "Ice" (CAMEL), complete with a weeping guitar solo, prominent piano and buckets of floating keyboard washes.

This Dutch progrock band is rooted in the late Eighties but it lasted until '96 before ODYSSICE made a CAMEL inspired mini-CD (four songs) entitled "Moondrive". In 2000 ODYSSICE released the CD entitled "Impressions", a strong, 24-carat symphonic rock album with obvious echoes from CAMEL but also some ethnic elements. It is in the vein of the mini-CD "Moondrive" but with more mature and alternating compositions. Jeroen delivers a lush keyboardsound (piano, Mellotron - and Moog samples) in some songs but the focus is on Bastiaan Peeter with his sensitive guitarplay and the use of a guitar- synthesizer (spectacular - and surprising sounds). The progress of this band is emphasized by the integration of ethnic elements from Scotland, China and India, very beautiful and a proove that ODYSSICE is on the way to develop their own sound. I'm sure this album will please a lot of symphomaniacs!

Odyssice is actually an interesting band because they have no vocalist and that's pretty rare. I read an article about Odyssice where they were talking about this aspect and the conclusion was that it's rather more difficult because all the pressure is on the instrumental performance, where in other bands vocalists or lyrics can draw a lot of attention.

So that considered Odyssice does a very nice job I must say. Dominant instrument is the electric guitar played by Bastiaan Peters and it's my luck that guitar is my favourite instrument generally. So I'm enjoying most of the songs and it will be no surprise that Scream and A Prophet's dream are my favourite tracks of the album. Scream is played almost emotionally and is really touching me. One of the best guitarperformances I ever heard. Other very nice tracks are Senran and Legend but also the rest is worthwhile. Deservedly 4 stars.

First class instrumental prog music that never falls into the trap of pointless noodlings and/or boring jams. Those guys really know how to write music that please the ears and use their obvious talents and skills to highlight melodies and arrangements. Some people described Odyssice as ´Camel with ethnic rhythms´ which, to me is not quite right. True, they do have a strong Camel influence (specially the guitar parts) and do use some eastern rhythms here and there, but clearly they have mastered their own sound by the time they recorded Impression. And what a damn good band they are!

Their sound is a excellent mix of old and new, using some keyboards timbres of the 70´s and a guitarrist that knows how to make his guitar sings! Bastiann Peters solos are just gorgeous, reaching the sublime in many occaions. If Andrew Latimer has a spiritual and musical heir this might be the guy! keyboardsman Van der Wiel is also notable for his originality and tasteful parts. Bass and drums are superb, strong and creative. In all, a fantastic band that needs no singer to make great music.Production is also top notch.

The album is not perfect, of course. I still think some songs are better than others, but none is crap or even weak (except maube for the recording of the traditional Flower Of Scotland, but it is so short it does not bother me at all). Impressions is one of the best prog albums in general and, together with Trion, the best instrumental prog album in many, many years. I really hope Odyssice will come up with more CDs like this one. I´m looking forward to hear from them. Highly recommended to any prog lover or music fans in general. 4,5 stars.

Thanks to Erik Neuteboom for his advice about the band.

I purchased this a while ago, enthralled ever since but refused to review it until there would be some sign of interest from my fellow colleagues at PA. Well Tarcisio and Henk obliged on the same day, today! I keep repeating myself like a stuck tape loop, but those Dutch sure are a crafty lot, certainly the most consistent progressive nation in recent years, what with Like Wendy, Trion, Flamborough Head, Sinister Street, Mangrove, Triangle, Orpheo, Ayreon, Knight Area, Novox , The Gathering, Ice, Nice Beaver and Lady Lake!!! They seemingly possess some kind of inbred affinity for all things progressive (socially, culturally and artistically), a fond desire to stretch beyond the boundaries of platitudes (they have no mountains after all!) and boldly go beyond the polders, the windmills and the dykes. Odyssice is a tremendous all instrumental combo that overtly espouses the glittering emotional Prog tradition, with reverential nods to stalwarts such as Camel, Hackett & fellow cloggers Focus. Guitarist Bastiaan Peeters is no Satriani, Vai or Malmsteen, reverentially adhering to the Frippian coda that one meaningful note means more than a blistering scale of pyrotechnics. Hence, one can clearly detect the influences in his playing, close to Latimer in terms of feeling, with Hackett's slippery repressed guitar tone and a dash of Akkerman's fiery gusto. The opener "Scream" is precisely descriptive of this formula, with a rollercoaster delivery that highlights the languid and the raging, Bastiaan's squealing and urgent playing sending shivers down the dorsal vertebrae, ably abetted by some fine keyboard work from Jeroen Van Der Wiel and a chunkily solid rhythm section. The other major highlight is the equally explosive (and strongly reminiscent in structure to Hackett's Spectral Mornings track) final track, "A Prophet's Dream", a true prog instrumental monument that deserves Olympic stadium praise. The remaining tracks are top-notch stuff, with the previously described "ethnic" tinge, such as the equatorially exotic "Senran", the Saracen-templar mysticism of "Crusader", the Greek mythological "Olympus" and the top of the world "Anuradhapura". The musicians introduce aromas from around the globe, in the fine Dutch spirit of its historical maritime merchants, without condescending or plagiarizing anyone. "Lokapalas", the title track and "Legend" are interesting musical paragraphs in a memorable musical book that starts and ends with impressive bangs. As previously expressed by other PA "confreres", this is an absolute winner that deserves a place on your prog menu. 5 dutch camels

This very good Dutch band delivered a remarkable mini CD some years prior to this album and the least I can say, is that they just confirmed the good feel.

When one listens to the admirable and melodic opening song, one can only be admiring of their great skills to write performing, captivating and moving music. Because there are no lyrics available in their work. Pure music.

To be honest, I would say that if this feature was not at all inconvenient during their EP, this album which lasts for some seventy minutes could have gained in interest if some good vocals could have highlighted these "Impressions".

Some short item refers to neo-prog, but once the band extend the length of their numbers, I have to acknowledge that their superb and symphonic melodies are brilliant. Guitar is really exceptional, and as I have said in my review of their debut, the passion of a Hackett is real close ("Senran").

It's a shame though that most of the pieces are on the shorter edge. Experimenting a bit more wouldn't have been damaging. Still, the Floydean "Impression" is damned good (just as "Legend").

In all, this album is pleasant but lengthy. Passionate guitar lovers will definitely enjoy this work. The long closing "A Prophet's Dream" is particularly dedicated to these fans.

Three stars.

If one wished to clone CAMEL and arrive at a superior product, it can be argued that either a strong vocalist or no vocalist at all would be two promising avenues available. After all, it's really Andrew Latimer's simultaneously searing and sensitive lead guitars occasionally alternating with rippling keyboards and lively or melancholic flutes that make CAMEL arguably the most influential progressive group relative to commercial success. ODYSSICE are clearly unrestrained fans, and their formula is a winner...on paper anyway.

Unfortunately, for much of this disk, all we have is a formula, the heart of their heroes inseparable from the grooves on those classic LPs. Even the showcase tracks like the opener "Scream", while boasting majestic moments, tend to wander at times and leave the listener in an unwelcome stupor. Bastiaan Peters has quite mastered his axe work but he splits his wood too predictably, employing the same old chops. Like "Scream", "Lokapolas" is built around an irresistible melodic hook but can't deliver a convincing setting in which it can flourish. Most pieces consist of wrenching slow leads that seduce us with a buildup to nothing, or offer compositionally challenged alternations between robust and delicate passages. More often than not these visitors stay too long.

Still, the sound is lovely, and several tunes rise above the mediocre, particularly "Señkan", even if it begins a lot like a more processed "Hotel California", as it develops a lovely Native American sounding melody; the ambient title cut; and the traditional "Flower of Scotland". Both "Legend" and "Anuradhapura" showcase the group's most unique attribute, Peters' guitar synthesizer, and the latter blends in eastern influences, but unfortunately within the context of a typical Odyssice arrangement.

Notwithstanding some good playing and my best wishes, the compositions, arrangements and conviction all leave me lukewarm. The template was of the highest caliber, and my lasting impression is that this should have been a lot better.

It's been a while since I dug this one out to play but on doing so I'm reminded that Odyssice are a very capable band with an ear for a strong melody. You won't find anything too taxing here and it's all very easy on the ear. Odyssice are very much in the symphonic prog tradition and I can think of no better reference point than Camel.

Their music, all instrumental and most of the time on the mellow side, is built around the guitar work of Bastiaan Peters who plays very much in the Andy Latimer style with soaring and sustained lead runs. There's still plenty of room though for some tasteful keyboard work courtesy of Jeroen van der Wiel, who while often supplying a sweeping backdrop for Peters guitar comes to the front on occasion, particularly on piano. The rhythm section of Pascal van der Pol (bass) and Menno Boomsma (drums) are not called on to turn in anything too complex but do their job admirably playing just what's required.

If you like your music on the more adventurous side then this Dutch bands pleasant and polite take on things will not be for you. However Camel fans and indeed anyone who cites strong melodies as a high priority will no doubt find much to enjoy here. Perfect listening for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

ODYSSICE are an all-instrumental band from The Netherlands.The drummer / flute player also plays with TRION. I feel the over 70 minute length of this album is a negative but overall this is an enjoyable release. It's very melodic and pleasant.The liner notes are well done and they include a little blurb with some of the tracks.

'Scream" opens with nature sounds as synths and drums come and go reminding me briefly of "Xanadu". It starts to pick up around 1 1/2 minutes.This is both pleasant and enjoyable. A change before 4 1/2 minutes as the piano takes over then some tasteful guitar leads. "Lokapalas" opens with synths then it kicks in before a minute as the guitar and drums standout. Synths are back late to end it. "Senran" opens with piano before the drums then guitar join in. It's CAMEL-like around 2 minutes. "Children Of The Cloud" again starts with piano then guitar and drums arrive after a minute. Piano only returns as these contrasts continue. "Olympus" features lots of synths early then it kicks in then settles back again. I like the organ 2 minutes in. Catchy stuff.

"Impression" starts out with not a lot going on then we get some relaxed guitar after a minute. "Crusader" kicks in right away then settles back with piano 1 1/2 minutes in as contrasts continue. "Legend" is another favourite of mine. Sampled mellotron to open.This is a laid back tune with piano and light drums. A change after 2 1/2 minutes as guitar comes in from here to the end. Very enjoyable. "Anu radhapura" has a World- Music flavour at times and sampled mellotron to end it. "Flower Of Scotland" features picked guitar? and atmosphere. "In Your Eyes" is a mellow piece with piano and guitar leading. "A Prophets Dream" is more uptempo with guitar and pulsating synths. It does settle down nicely 3 1/2 minutes in.Then we get soaring guitar before 5 minutes to the end.

There are some really enjoyable moments on this album.

Ah good, an instrumental prog band from Holland. So I sighed, put it on, and then woke up. Odyssice have obviously been playing close attention to Jadis and Camel and have put together an album that may not have vocals but is no less for that. If I had to pick fault it would have to be with the version of "Flower Of Scotland" (which I notice Malcolm pointedly avoids in the press release).

Although the highlight for me and for many will be the guitar playing of Bastiaan Peters, special mention must be made of the keyboard playing of Jeroen van der Wiel who provides the perfect melodic counterpoint. While much of the album is fairly restrained, there are some powerful moments to be heard and the result is an album that is most pleasing to the ear. If this style of prog is appealing then this is a band worth discovering

Originally appeared in Feedback #62, May 01

Another line-up change followed the release of Odyssice's first ever recording with Bart Kuehne leaving the group, being too busy with his work, replaced by future Trion drummer Menno Boomsma.Several gigs would follow, including one at the first ProgFarm event in Bakkeveen, along with warm critics, eventually putting the group on the Prog map.In January 2000 Odyssice recorded their first full-length work at Studio Nieuw Spitsbergen and later they signed a deal with Cyclops.Named ''Impression'', the album was finally released in November 2000.

Odyssice deliver their familiar style of melodic, instrumental Neo/Symphonic Prog with both short and long compositions, full of imaginative soundscapes, sensitive lines and atmospheric textures.Most of the pieces are guitar-driven, somewhere between the emotional CAMEL approach and a more fiery JADIS pallette with excellent electric solos and strong lead guitars, offering a variety of tempos and moods, ranging from rich, elaborate arrangements to thrilling, guitar-based melodies.Some of the pieces have a more pronounced keyboard vibe, just when bands of early-80's British Prog come to mind, based on flashy solos and soft piano preludes.The sound of the group is bombastic, grandiose and extremely melodic at the same time with orchestral overtones and a wide spectrum of emotional content, while, despite its modern production, ''Impression'' has enough retro resemblances to satisfy even fans of 70's Progressive Rock.The production is top-notch, typical of a Dutch Progressive Rock band of the genre, with a nice mix and clear changing between the instruments.

A must-have for all lovers of melodic Progressive Rock.Well-crafted musicianship all the way with beautiful guitar work and endless, striking melodies.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.