OREGON

A dutch band with a name like this and an album bearing the name of an american state could be either a joke or something very different. And different it is. This quartet is up for something very original, although the elements that make up their sound are quite familar. Well, not too familiar to progheads, maybe, since they draw their inspiration from sources that are not often related to prog music nowadays. But the result is very good even if a bit demanding to the listener. It is complex, varied and very, very well crafted.

One of the things that put them apart are the vocals. There are two singers and one of them has a very soulful voice that sounds a bit like that american vocalist Michael McDonald. It gives a different approach to the songs that work very well once you get used to. The other one is the guitar style of Hans Gerritse, owing it more to Eric Clapton or to Jeff Beck than to Hackett or Akkerman. And the instrumental parts have a strong influence of what is called here ´heavy prog´, of the early 70´s (meaning that soul, blues and hard rock are included), besides more ´traditional´ prog, jazz and even some arab and flamenco overtones. Not to mention a modern touch here and there. Eclectic indeed!

All in all I found this CD to be very, very good. There are no fillers and the songs qualities varies from very good to excellent (even if I did not really think it was a good idea to start the record with Nights In Armour). Production is perfect for this style. It might take a few spins to fully appreciate this record, but it is worth the efford. I hope this band will release another record soon. If you like that kind of prog rock with some strong blues influence done in those golden days of the early 70´s try Oregon. It is one of the most surprising CDs I heard in a long time. Four stars.