After a hiatus of almost ten years Dutch prog rock band A Liquid Landscape are back with their third studio album called Rogue Planet. The lineup of this band, hailing from Friesland, has not changed since their last EP Stories Left Untold (2016), and therefore still consists of: Niels van Dam (lead guitar), Robert van Dam (bass guitar), Fons Herder (vocals, guitar), and Coen Speelman (drums). Rogue Planet is a concept album with a grim theme, as this album is almost a warning, a flirt with doom so to say. A Liquid Landscape's sound is a wonderful mix of art rock, prog rock, alternative rock, and atmospheric rock. A Few And Far Between Part 1 and Part 2 open this guitar-centric album and while the first part is turbulent and dynamic, the second part is definitely more laid back. The Raven Song is also divided into two parts, and this track is dark, mysterious, dynamic and has obvious influences from bands such as Pink Floyd, Anathema or even The Pineapple Thief. This remarkable Dutch band saves the best for last, as Virgo Calling is the absolute gem of this album. Not only is it the longest track, but it is also the most diverse one, as Virgo Calling features dreamy passages, dynamic rhythm changes, emotional lyrics, and soaring guitar work galore. Rogue Planet is guitar art/prog rock at its best, so do not miss out on this album indeed! Listening tip: Virgo Calling (at maximum volume please) **** Martien Koolen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
