THE EVE OF INNOCENCE

Dutch Neo-Prog band from early 80's.They recorded the demo ''Prologue'' in 1989 and the same year they supported Fish on his tour.As a sextet with Olaf Blaauw on lead vocals, Erik van der Vlis and Peter van Leerdam on keyboards, Rob Kwakkelstein on bass, Peter Hoos on guitars and Marco Lodders on drums they released their debut ''The Eve of Innocence'' in 1992 on Progressive International.

Sinister Street played a safe and secure Neo Progresive Rock with limited complex themes and a tendency towards catchy, melodic tunes.And as with most of these cases, the band must produce some highly memorable material to be appreciated.This team from The Netherlands did it quite well, having a sensitive vocalist and a tight sound all the way, reminiscent of bands like second era PALLAS or JADIS.The guitars of Peter Hoos seem to lead the way, mainly electric with some acoustic flourishes here and there, and he does a good job, providing both energy and melody, helped by Blaauw's perfectly suited voice.However anyone expecting some massive keyboard pyrotechnics by the two keyboardists will be rather dissapointed.The keyboard work remains very careful all the way with some very decent organ waves and synthesizer solos but without any tendency towards an excessive use.The compositions follow a rather typical song-format with only a few instrumental surprises and the album relies heavily on the passionate and dynamic approach of Sinister Street.

Easy-going, melodic and powerful Progressive Rock, where emotion and atmosphere come first over any kind of adventurous execution.For fans of melodic Prog, Neo Progressive Rock, AOR/Prog and anyone ready to face his first prog experience.

Sinister Street is an obscure and little known neo prog band coming from Holland. Formed in late '80s their first release will come only in 1992 named The eve of innocence at defunct label Progressive international. While to many this is a very mediocre release, I really like it, is well played and I like a lot the vocals, Olaf Blaauw is a great vocalist who really knew to make his voice appreciated, this is not another Gabriel/Fish clone for sure. The music is more then ok, imagine a combination of Everon, Jadis with Saga, and some pop elements thrown in here and there. To me the album sound happy, fresh even is far from essential listning has plenty of good moments like opening track One in a Million, Pulse of life and A prayer for the dying, good neo pieces. There are lots of melodic passages, good keyboards and great vocal lines, a sincere release to my ears. Nothing is groundbreaking here, but is enjoyble to my ears. Eevn they had concerts with Jadis and Marillion, they disbanded in 1997 when their label went broke. 3, 5 stars for sure.