ACROSS THE RUBICON

Lately I've been checkin out some Dutch releases (I'm from the Nederlands myself), as is the case with the Dutch neo-progressive rockband Silhouette.

At first impression this sounds as professional well recorded modern progressive rock in the tradition of Marillion, Arena and late Pink Floyd. Every track is symphonic with oceans of keyboards and the vibrant electric guitar of Brian de Graeve - who mastered the stratocaster and its use in the symphonic rock genre. Also appearant is the use of the known minor chord progressions, that without the introduction of stylistic of rhythmic innovation sound a bit dull to me. Other parts of the compositions can be refreshing, as is proven by the main instrumental theme of the opening track 'Breath'.

Most of the thracks are very enjoyable, but I'm never too fond of the vocals. Theatrical and sentimental as fits the music, but this usually lead to hit or miss performances. All lyrics are sung in English, but still it just sounds like Dutch to me. I never understood why progressive rock bands don't more often search for strong lyricists, like King Crimson did in the seventees - it can hugely improve the impact of the music. I myself just can't enjoy a larger then life symphonic sound with adults singing teenage lyrics.

Conclusion. Some great well-recorded neo-progressve rock that will surely please listerens of the genre. I'm very much impressed by the guitarplaying of De Graeve. The vocals and lyrics are not my cup of tea, but perhaps its an aquired taste. Three stars. If this band would find a moment of Contagion-like inspiration in the future it might just produce a masterpiece.

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