PLACE IN TIME

Oh, I wasn't sure first ... skipped through the songs, listened for a moment here and for a minute there ... soon removed the disc from my player. But keep it up, it's worthwhile ... after a certain time I tried a second start, listened in one go on this occasion ... and wooosh! it came into flower finally. Another example which confirms the advice to take time - let the music grow on you! This band exists since 2003 formed by core members Erik Kuipers (bass), guitarist Sanne te Meerman and André de Vries (keyboards). Already working on compositions it took some years though to find a proper drummer and vocalist to implement their ideas.

This album comprises songs deriving from the neo prog territory which are partially crossing the pop music border - often slow-tempo, where atmosphere and melody are convincing aspects. So it all begins with ease - with A Promise - chilled-out, classical acoustic guitar, ambient background. The following catchy ballad Aimless comes as a hit candidate and confirms that keyboard and guitar generally are the most playful instruments (don't punish me for this provocation!). Okay, at least for this album. Sorry - don't want to undermine the rhythm branch's relevance - but the accentuated synth impressions and psychedelic tinged guitar additions are really impressing.

The title song now belongs to the more excited grooving examples of the album - skillful contribution by bassist Erik Kuipers at the end. Back is the next ballad - an atmospheric, melancholic pop song which can bring tears to your eyes if you're in the right mood. I don't want to call up every other song which follows. Get your own impression. Among other things you will detect well-placed guitar solos and piano excursions furthermore and won't find any song which decreases over the course - promised! Just let me point out Crash finally - the most heavy rocking example probably, even showing a riffing guitar - the vocals accordingly differ - and yes - the song has some jamming moments.

'Place In Time' offers elaborated arrangements with some noticeable leanings to mainstream rock. Well - someone who is exclusively committed to 100% pure prog albums should be careful. The songs aren't provided with a complex structure but certainly with sense for catchy moments and wonderfully charming melodies. Singer Roelof Beeftink unquestionably has a large share. If you're looking for something to hear especially dedicated to harmonic laid back moments ... this is a nice effort really - 3.5 stars!

"Place in Time" is the debut effort of Dutch band Intentions, and is what I'd describe as something of a typical first effort: An album with more of a promise of future things to come than a full-fledged high quality effort as such.

On some occasions we're served glimpses of what this band can do at their best this time around though, the tracks Drowned and Wasted are good examples of the art pop genre while Crash is close to brilliant with it's much more sophisticated use of contrasting textures and strong moods. And while few of the other tunes truly inspire they are pretty nifty creations as well, and ones that should appeal to what I surmise is the key audience of this band.

As far as overall sound goes: Imagine a pop-oriented version of later day Sylvan. Wandering, subdued clean guitar themes and gentle keyboard textures are the main mood and melody providers. The instruments provide the foundation for the lead vocals, often more subdued in the vocal passages than elsewhere, and the chorus segments are generally more energetic and intense than the verse parts. Bass and drums provide steady rhythms but few embellishments, and most compositions follows a traditional structure.

Those who enjoy the lighter sides of art rock and elaborate pop music should take heed of this effort though, and I suspect that those into the more pop-oriented Neo acts might take a fancy for this outfit as well.