ACROSS THE RUBICON

This is my first experience of Dutch band Silhouette, although it is their third album and I am now starting to wonder just what I have missed by not coming across them before. Although in many ways they are reminiscent of IQ, it is patently obvious that Barclay James Harvest has also played a large part in their musical upbringing. Dual vocals are often prominent, combined with swathes of symphonic keyboards and a cutting guitar. It is prog as a warm blanket, reassuring and comfortable and although others may snigger at the attire there is no way that you are going to let it go.

The production and arrangements are very strong, and this is class from start to finish with a place and time for everyone. "When Snow's Falling Down" sounds as if it could have come from the pen of Nick Barrett twenty years ago, while at other times there are hints of Marillion as we are taken on a mature ride through a landscape of immaculately written songs. At times the keyboards are just simple piano, at others it is an over-drive organ, while the drums sometimes are incredibly effective by not being there at all. It is an album which is full of space and layers, and while it does lose some of the passion and drive because of that, it more than makes up with sheer professionalism.

It may not be anything dramatically new, but if you are looking for a very solid neo-prog album then this is good from start to finish. www.silhouetteband.nl