THE FINNISHING TOUCH

Web information, written by multi-instrumentalist/main composer Erik De Beer: 'This is the re-mastered version of 'The Finisshing Touch'. For this official release some of the songs have been remixed, while three new tracks have been added. The main theme on this album is built rather freely around the charming anonymous melody of a sad Finnish folksong entitled Tuoll On Mun Kultani. The harmonisation of the song is made by me, thus leaving me all possibilities to change it to the different styles of music.'

After a few listening sessions I conclude that the sound on The Finnishing Touch (nice play of words) is in the vein of Modinha: the focus is very much on melody and the harmonic interplay between the musicians, especially Erik his keyboards and Jason his harder-edged guitar work (heavier and more omnipresent than on Modinha). Erik De Beer his way of composing reminds me of other classically trained musicians in progrock bands like Ekseption (featuring Erik's hero Rick Van Der Linden) and Sky (at some moments Life Line Project even sounds similar to Sky like Saudades De Sor).

The music range from mellow atmospheres with instruments like the piano, oboe, classical guitar and flute to catchy and swinging mid-tempo rhythms. And to more heavy and bombastic climates, with biting and distorted electric guitar leads and spectacular keyboards sounds (Emersonian Moog flights and powerful Hammond organ runs). The short title track strongly evokes Steve Hackett his classical guitar sound. While Andy Latimer fans will enjoy the more sensitive and moving electric guitar play in compositions like I Miss You More, Without Tears and the beautiful final track Desire (also featuring warm contributions on oboe, flute, classical guitar along jazzy piano and fat synthesizer flights).

Life Line Project have very pleasantly blended classical, rock, jazz and symphonic, embellished with a lush instrumentation and good work on keyboards and guitar.

My rating: 3,5 star.