GLORY OF THE INNER FORCE

Glory to the Glory of the inner Force of Finch. The band was founded by two old-members of Q65 - probably the best psychedelic rockband of the Netherlands - together with guitar virtuoso Joop van Nimwegen and keyboardist Cleem Determeijer. They came up in 1975 with this magnificent debut-record. In my opinion this is the best symphonic prog record made in Holland.

Before Finch was founded Jan Akkerman was arguably the best guitarplayer in the Netherlands. Joop van Nimwegen however became some real concurrence to Jan. Joop van Nimwegen seems to be really Inspired by the guitarplaying of Jan Akkerman and maybe also a bit of Steve Howe (Yes). The guitarstyl is mainly faster than in Focus, but with the same kind of intellectual songwriting (Joop van Nimwegen wrote all the songs on this debutrecord).

Besides the awesome guitarplaying in Finch, the bassguitarist does really shine on Finch's debut record. The basslines are active and really fast. This bassguitarist is not just a backgroundplayer, but shines on front of the band! The keyboardist may not be as good as Rick Wakeman of Keith Emerson, but manages to fit by the other excellent musicians and adds some nice atmosphere. The drums are just fine.

In my opinion this is the best instrumental-only record ever made. Finch showed to be better than the Mahavishnu Orchestra or Return to Forever. The same speed, but better songwriting and catchier melodies. A really exciting record - a must have!