This is the fourth album (others also on Cyclops) by the Dutch (Frisian) prog ensemble Flamborough Head. First a little history on the band. In 1998 they released their debut album: Unspoken Whisper. This was followed by Defining the Legacy in 2000. Both albums are in the Neo Prog style (Pendragon, Pallas). On their 3rd album, One for the Crow (2002), there was change in style due to two new members .Vocalist and flutist Margriet Boomsma replaced Siebe Rein Schaaf and Eddie Mulder became the new guitar player. Still a lot of neo prog on that album, but also a bit more retro and folkish.

Now to the new CD. At first I almost didn't recognize them as Flamborough Head. The neo prog has almost disappeared and turned to a more folkish and retro kind of music (Renaissance, The Tangent,Genesis and Transatlantic) and the flute has become an important instrument as can be heard on the instrumental opener.

Second song Maureen has some beautiful instrumental passages and also some good singing, would fit on a Transatlantic album. I am not going to review every song but Captive of Fate is very beautiful ballad and fans of the Flower Kings and Neal Morse will love the instrumental song Mantova.

So to get an idea of their music it's like the above mentioned bands added with some good flute playing and female vocals. The lyrics (no concept) handle about life and people and the imperfection of it all.

I was surprised by this album. Fortunately it was a very pleasant surprise.

Cyclops have also released an album of old demo's by Flamborough Head. It's called: Bridge to the Promised Land (Cyclub 009)

Share on Facebook