When you're a young rock musician and you decide to study rock music at some rock academy, there is a certain chance you meet other students with same interests, same taste and same goals. There are many examples of bands which were formed at a rock academy. The Dutch band Golden Caves is one of them. The band was founded in 2013, when 5 students of Codarts met. Codarts is a Dutch conservatory, located in Rotterdam. These roots declare a lot when you listen to this band. Young bands which are founded at a rock academy are normally fresh sounding and a little experimental. These bands also have developed great skills with regard to instruments, vocals and writing techniques. I must confess that all these characteristics can be recognized in the songs of Golden Caves. The line up of the band is: Alex Ouwehand (guitar), Romy Ouwerkerk (vocals), Elise Polman (keyboards), Erik Stein (drums) and Tim Wensink (bass guitar). Golden Caves can be categorized in the genre of neo progressive rock. They don't sound traditional, but fresh as I already mentioned. All songs are definitely songs and therefore not epic with regard to the duration. The songs are compact and have lots of space to “breath”. What I mean is that all songs have an open structure and are not covered with blankets of instruments and soundscapes. I think that the word fresh is once more the correct definition. The vocals of Romy Ouwerkerk reminds me of Anneke van Giersbergen, the former vocalist of The Gathering. For those who know me well, they know that I am always searching for new Dutch progressive rock bands. Bands that have something special and that have the opportunity to develop itself to the upper regions of the progressive rock. Let me tell you this, I think I found a new one. Golden Caves has all the ingredients to develop itself to an interesting band. It could also be a band with airplay. Because of the fact that the songs are compact and the vocals are fabulous, it would not be unthinkable that Golden Caves will be played on radio. I personally think that Golden Caves has delivered a nice debut album. I also foresee a great future when this band gets the chance to develop itself and expand their repertoire. Golden Caves would be a nice festival band. So, the stars look bright for Golden Caves. For me this is one of the new up and coming bands to keep an eye on. **** Aad Bannink (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
