CHAINS

RICOCHER are a Neo-Prog band from The Netherlands. This release from 2004 is their most recent and it's a pretty good album although maybe a little too samey throughout. The vocals are strong and the synths and drums seem to standout the most besides the vocals.

"Empty Chambers" and the next two tracks all blend together and are really the same song from a suite called "Virtual Images". Atmosphere and gentle guitar to start as reserved vocals join in. It kicks in after 2 1/2 minutes with synths and blends into "Beyond Terms Of Humanity". It settles before 1 1/2 minutes then kicks back in as contrasts continue. We get the same virtual music on "Out Of Control". "Bitter Tears" opens with piano as reserved vocals join in. Drums and a fuller sound after 1 1/2 minutes. "Perception" is the first of another three song suite that blends into each other. Drums,synths and vocals stand out early. Guitar to the fore when the vocals stop 1 1/2 minutes in.The vocals return after 3 minutes.

"Reflected" opens with atmosphere and synths as vocals come in after a minute. Some sax too before 3 minutes. "The Silhouette Of You" is heavier as synths continue. Vocals follow as contrasts continue. "Whispering Voices" settles with strummed guitar and vocals. It quickly kicks back in. An electric guitar solo before 2 1/2 minutes and lots of synths late. "Misguided Lights" has some tasteful guitar to start as it cries out. Vocals then more guitar. "Question Within The Answer" is more uptempo with synths.Vocals replace the synths then the synths return around 2 minutes as themes are repeated. "Point Of No Return" has this beat as piano and synths join in. Guitar as well a minute in. Vocals follow. "Breaking The Chain" has a nice heavy start with vocals. It settles after 1 1/2 minutes. The guitar before 2 1/2 minutes is laid back.

Not a bad album and better cover art than the previous one.