Comedy Of Errors & June 16, 2017 - Parktheater, Alphen a/d Rijn (NL)
For a lot of lovers of progressive rock in the Netherlands the name Serious Music Alphen certainly means something
to them. Most of all if they want to see certain prog acts on a concert stage. This organisation of volunteers
manages to get a lot of great bands in the genre to present their music at the stage of the excellent Parkvilla
Theater venue. Those bands sometimes even choose to present their new album. This was the case during the event
when the Dutch act Sky Architect and Scottish act Comedy Of Errors were invited to do a concert
in Alphen aan de Rijn.
Sky Architect
Comedy Of Errors Strangely enough the band which can be seen as today's headliners, I have only seen once. This was three years ago at the same venue (see review). Strange because this band from Scotland has already has been in existence since 1984 and has a second youth since 2011. Nevertheless I am glad Comedy Of Errors managed to visit
Which of course didn't, and in many ways this concert could be seen as a copy of the concert done earlier at the same stage. The songs were again of a very high level and the kind of neo progressive rock I like the most. Only this time around with six musicians on stage making some of the songs sounding even more melodic. This came mainly due to the fact that former guitarist Mark Spalding had returned to the line-up. This did not lead to Sam McCulloch leaving the band. Now with two guitar players on stage the guitar sound gets a more richer sound and the sometimes twin guitar parts are a feast for your ears to hear! Also the retired fire-fighter and lead singer of the band did an excellent job, even if in many ways his act had no surprises in store. Once again Joe Cairney dressed in a slim suit along with some great looking boots. These were noticed by a female spectator as well who gave him her complements after one of the performed songs. During the set he again removed his jacket and revealed a shirt from one of his musical friends and someone he probably looked up to. Fish, the former Marillion front man and lead singer. But compared to this fellow Scotsman Joe still has a remarkable strong voice. A voice which hardly had any trouble reaching the high notes. Something which Derek William Dick
Of course did the set include material which could not been heard three years ago because it wasn't released actually. I am referring to the single version of Spirit and the Spirit Suite. But also to the one track taken from their brand new album House Of The Mind, titled Tachyon. All performed excellently just as the rest of the songs on the setlist. Not only thanks to the great performances of the musicians mentioned earlier, but also the great rhythm section. Consisting of bassist John Fitzgerald and drummer Bruce Levick, who were at the right time and place to kick ass, as did Jim Johnston behind his keyboard and laptop. Just like during the performance of the supporting act, the audience must have spent a pleasant time watching this band. Including myself again! Sure some of the people which only came to see the headliners, didn't like the support act. But you can't please everybody I guess. It's always a matter of taste. The people of Serious Music Alphen were certainly not to blame. Like many times before they tried to come up with an interesting program to enjoy. According to myself they succeeded very well. Thanks! Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) |
Setlist Sky Architect: Intro Wormholes (The Inevitable Collapse Of The Large Hadron Collider) Race To The Sun Woodcutters Vile Nomad Traveller's Last Candle A Dying Man's Hymn Endless Roads Wasteland |
Pictures
Sky Architect by Arthur Haggenburg Click on the picture to enlarge. |
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Line up Sky Architect: (left to right)Rik van Honk: keyboards, bugel, trumpet and backing vocals Wabe Wieringa: electric guitar Tom Luchies: lead vocals and electric guitar Guus van Mierlo: bass guitar Christiaan Bruin: drums |
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Setlist Comedy Of Errors: Disobey Tachyon Going For A Song Jekyll Spirit (Single Version) Student Prince Pt2 Something She Said The Answer The Cause Spirit Suite Encore: Student Prince Pt1 |
Pictures
Comedy Of Errors by Arthur Haggenburg Click on the picture to enlarge. |
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Line up Comedy Of Errors: (left to right)Sam McCulloch: electric guitar John Fitzgerald: bass and backing vocals Jim Johnston: keyboard, laptop and backing vocals Joe Cairney: lead vocals Bruce Levick: drums Mark Spalding: electric guitar and backing vocals |
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