MAKING SENSE

By the time of the release of ''A glimpse inside'', Christiaan Bruin had already finished the recordings of a second album.Hansi Cross, the manager of Progress Records, had appeaciated the talent of Sky Architect's young drummer and decided to team up with him for this sophomore effort.''Making sense'' was released in September 2010, being a concept album about human beings and the philosophical content of their existence.As with ''A glimpse inside'', all vocals and instruments are performed by Chris himself.

This was another solid release by the young Dutch, showing full respect for the 70's and transforming the sound into the modern era, recalling the works of SPOCK'S BEARD, MAGIC PIE and BEARDFISH, incorporating poppy sensibilities into symphonic arrangements and coloring the style with heavier overtones akin to his own SKY ARCHITECT project.Once more the mix of multiple voices and instruments is absolutely brilliant and Chris' multi-instrumental talents are more than satisfying.Musically ''Making sense'' appears to be an efficient concept work, divided in mini-epics and shorter tracks with an evident sense of melody but also enough complexity to convince die-hard Prog fans.The music passes from emotional lines and accesible tunes to big symphonic themes and grandiose instrumentals, featuring lots of synthesizers as well as some old-styled organ and Mellotron.THE BEATLES appear to be an obvious influence during the vocal parts, but the music is rooted in the style of RUSH, YES and GENESIS with dramatic sections, pompous orchestrations and shifting climates.Chris avoids any kind of laid-back ballad-like stuff and the acoustic passages are also very limited, insisting in a dynamic electric sound with his proposal being deeply rooted in the principles of Classic Progressive Rock, while the heavy guitars add a welcome dimension in the well-crafted keyboard moves.

Another one-man beauty by this great Dutch talent.Dramatic, modern Neo/Symphonic Prog with accomplished executions and filled with interesting arrangements.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.