ON DRY LAND

An excellent modern Dutch prog band,who were formed in 1997 in Papendrecht,a small city near Rotterdam.NICE BEAVER was the result of the collaboration between two local bands' members (named ''Scotty!'' and ''For cryin out loud''),in that way Hans Gerritse (guitars/vocals, later to form ''King Eider''), Erik Groeneweg (keyboards/vocals), Ferry Zonneveld (drums) and Peter Stel were found on the same band.In 1999 they recorded a 5-song demo,released on their indepedent No Beaver Label and two years later ''On dry land'' sees the light,re-issued on Cyclops a year later.

''On dty land'' is actually a mixed bag of influences,however it works extremely well with the band managing to produce some fine and accesible progressive rock with a few complicated themes.The best comparison would propably be a blending of heavy RUSH-like prog,melodic musicianship in the vein of CAMEL with strong doses of neo progressive rock related to the sound of CLIFFHANGER or EDGON HEATH.Surprisingly for their accesible chosen style,most of the tracks are quite long (7 to 9 minutes).The fantastic guitar work is the main factor here with Gerritse delivering energetic playing, magnificent solos and typical rockin' grooves,which alternate all the time.Keyboards range from atmospheric synths to vintage organ sounds (include please plenty of inspiring solos),while the vocal work is outstanding!Some of you will be reminded of non-prog singers like NEIL YOUNG,but believe me,this vocal formula fits complementary to the musicianship.Hints of KING CRIMSON in their most complex moments and QUEEN in the pompier parts add a different colour every now and then,making every minute in ''On dry land'' flowing so nice and easy.

This is pure art/progressive rock at its best and NICE BEAVER proove to be more than an imaginative and skillful band.First class progressive music for serious music ears!