AVALANCHE

Late-70's Dutch Xian Prog Rock band, coming from the town of Moodrecht near Gouda.Reputedly they started by playing at ceremonies of the Protestant Church, led by multi-instrumentalist Jan Blom along with Rob Dekker on keyboards, Daan Slaman on guitar, Marcella Neeleman on flutes, Fred Dekker on bass and Johan Spek on drums.Their only album ''Perseverance kills our game'' was recorded in a number of sessions in Moodrecht and The Hague in September/October 1979 and it was released on Telstar's sublabel Starlet, which dealt mainly with private pressings.The sound engineer on this album was ex-Light's drummer Sjaco van der Speld.

Avalanche blended acoustic, Folk-natured images with soft but always compelling Progressive Rock, mixing the sound of archaic flutes, mandolin and acoustic strings with electric moves and mellow keyboard themes.They sounded pretty original as a whole, imagine OUGENWEIDE and their Medieval-flavored Folk Music blended with a smooth Progressive Rock ala ROUSSAEU.The tracks are characterized by a salvation-like atmosphere with ethereal soundscapes, melodic themes and extended instrumental work, based on the changes between atmospheric, traditional lines and dreamy, electric segments.They definitely knew how to combine all these elements, plus there are even a few jazzy hints in the electric moments, a bit reminiscent of CAMEL.Vocals are pretty limited, on the other hand the dominating instrumental material is quite diverse, the presence of piano and CAMEL-esque ideas adds this relaxed, late-70's symphonic feel to the music, while the acoustic themes are played with a deep sense of emotion and respecting the early roots of Folk Music.The 11-min. ''Oblivion'' is one the representative examples of how Folk Music can be mixed with melodic Progressive Rock, developing some nice and sensitive landscapes.

The album was pressed in about 500 copies and ended up to be Avalanche's only officially recorded document.Plans for a second album were around, but the band apparently dissolved.Saalman went on to play with a band called Pinpoint, while keyboardist Rob Dekker became a vicar.

Sought-after collectors' item, which deserves some listenings.Melancholic, folky and melodic Progressive Rock of a decent musical value.Warmly recommened.