DISTORTED MEMORIES

Distorted Memories is probably the most dynamic and the most varied album by LIFE LINE PROJECT. The short intro, lasting about seconds and starting off like a rocket, immediately shows the band's intentions. It's one of the two only contributions by lead guitarist Jason Eekhout, the other one, called "Caelum Aurum" being a longer jazz-rock orientated work with lots of virtuosities of both violinist Josine Fraaij and guitarist Jason.

All the other compositions on the album are by the hand of keyboard player Erik de Beer. A playful instrumental composition, full of keyboard wizardry, a UK-like electric violin and some of these weird solos by Jason, which seems to be based on a nagging children's tune and which finally develops into a beautiful symphonic rock theme, is the title track of the album.

The following "Life Line Suite 2010" gives the listener almost ten minutes full of great symphonic rock themes, lots of tempo and character changes, proving that the band can well do without vocals.

"Frozen Heart" is a symphonic rock ballad, with a beautiful flute part and some great Moog solo's. One of the best of the compositions on the album is without any doubt "Reaper Of The Keys", a genuine showcase of all of Erik's keyboards, highlighting some fantastic solo's on his Moogs and a great piano solo, all over a solid basis supplied by the bass, a rhythm guitar and the drums.

P.C. Left is Right is a multi voiced song about the madness of the exaggerated political correctness. The final guitar lead is just great.

An acoustic intermezzo with lots of mandolins and flutes is a short moment of relaxation, before "Steam Roller", another of these overwhelming instrumentals, which seem to be the hallmark of LLP, begins with a massive theme in a strange three-four time.

A long suite, called "The Final Word", is the most important composition on the album. The vocals are beautifully sung by Maruschka Kartosonto and both the flute and oboe intervene every now and then to provide the song with beautiful acoustic interludes. The song contains majestic symphonic themes played by the electric guitar and some excellent improvisations on the flute and the synths.

The bonus track is one of my favourites. It is based on the Dutch folksong Hop Marjanneke and it is so much fun listening to it. It starts with a mandolin, a medieval drum, a lute and a harpsichord and it evolves into a great symphonic orgy, the end of a fantastic album by a great band!

Izabelle.