BLUE PLANET

As I mentioned in my review about the compilation CD "Wheelchair groupie", Alquin was the first band I ever saw live, I must have been at about 13 or 14 years old. They played at a schoolparty near my hometown The Hague, later I realised how lucky I was to witness this unique progrock band from The Netherlands. The enthousiastic reactions to their reunion a few years ago have turned into a new studio album featuring no less than five members from the original line-up, including lead vocalist Michel Van Dijk. In some tracks his distinctive voice reminds me of a 'crooner', like in the bluesy "Murder in the park" (howling electric guitar and fiery saxophone) and the melancholical "Enough=enough" (tender piano and fragile slide-guitar). On some tracks I hear the magic from their first two albums "Marks" and "Mountain Queen": a powerful and swinging sound delivering wonderful Hammond waves, flowing electric guitar and fiery saxophone, topped by the strong and distinctive vocals from Michel Van Dijk. But at others moments Alquin has a more polished sound, a bit too smooth for me although Alquin plays good and inspired with strong work on guitar, saxophone and keyboards. They are still an unique band delivering an entertaining and often swinging blend of prog, blues, soul, jazz, funk and rock, on two tracks supported by the Stylers Horns. And it defenitely doesn't sound dated, just listen to the great final track "The beach" with a strong grand finale featuring howling guitar and fiery saxophone!