TORTOISE

This is a side project by Falmborough Head´s keyboiards player Edo Spanninga. From his group also came Eric Mulder (guitar and bass) and Odyssice´s drummer Enno Broomsma (brother of Margriet Boomsma, Flamborough Head´s vocalist). Usually I don´t really like those side projects: they are often just self indulgent music, a display of ego trips and/or technique showcases. Fortunatly this is not the case. In fact is more a homage to the music that influenced so many artists and the definitive prog instrument of the 70´s: the mellotron. .

Spanninga explores the mellotron to its full potencial. but he also writes MUSIC! with great melodies and tasteful arrangements. And the other two members contribution is not a minor one. In fact Mulder´s guitar parts are absolute gorgeous! And every song is a winner. Beautiful instrumental music that takes some time to sink in, but once it does, you´re hooked! I keep listening to this album over and over again.

If you´re missing good instrumental music of the caliber of Camel´s The Snowgoose, this is the album you´re looking for. All tracks are very good and varied, but the absolute highlight for me is New Moon, a very fine track that mixes early Genesis with a wonderful Camel-like guitar that is pure joy. Artwork is also great and fits very nice with the music inside.

The best instrumental album I´ve heard in many years! What a great buy! Highly recommended. 4,5 stars.