The idea for this musical project came from Flamborough Head's keyboard player Edo Spanninga by accident when he tested some recording equipment in order to record Seventies styled music as a fun-project. Eventually Edo was so excited about the results that he recruited fellow Flamborough Head member Eddie Mulder (guitars and bass) and Odyssice drummer Menno Boomsma to make an album. The name Trion is a contraction of the words 'trio' and'Mellotron', simply because the band is a trio and because Edo used only Mellotron samples (flute, oboe, strings, organ, cello, vibe and choir) for his keyboard sound on this album. The trio had total freedom to exchange ideas and to work on the arrangements. In 2003 the Dutch trio Trion released their debut CD entitled Tortoise (see review), in 2007 followed by Pilgrim and in 2013 by Funfair Fantasy (see review), all wonderful symphonic prog albums, layered with beautiful Mellotron samples and moving guitarwork. These 3 albums wrere received very well by the progheads of Mellotron drenched symphonic rock. In between Colossus (Finnish Progressive Rock Society) invited Trion to contribute to the 2-CD The Spaghetti Epic (featuring progrock bands from all over the world). Trion was OK and delivered the epic Frank. This composition can be found on their second album, in a re-arranged version (close to 23 minutes). And now, anno 2026, Trion's new album entitled Terra Tiempo, after a 13-year hiatus. It contains 12 tracks, mostly instrumental (only two with vocals), ranging between 3 and 7 minutes. The sound is very melodic and harmonic, rooted in the 70s symphonic rock tradition, with a pleasant variety and an own musical touch. Terra Tiempo: The first composition delivers flowing shifting moods and tasteful work on keyboards (from sparkling Grand piano to majestic Mellotron violins) and guitar (from sensitive to fiery), topped with a fluent and dynamic rhythm section. Focus and Camel come to my mind but Trion also presents lots of interesting musical ideas. I notice that the trio sounds as a four-piece formation and has matured during the years. Nautilus: The music alternates between dreamy, a slow rhythm, a tight mid-tempo beat (intro and outro) and bombastic outbursts, embellished with a wide range of keyboards (orchestral, church organ, Hammond, Mellotron flute, synthesizer flights) and wonderful, very moving guitar work. The Return Of Jemetrion: After an intro with tender piano the music turns into a slow rhythm with Mellotron violins, sensitive electric guitar (including slide), floods of Hammond and synthesizer runs. What a wonderful interplay between the guitar and keyboards, firmly rooted in the 70s symphonic rock tradition (from Focus to Camel). Next a dreamy interlude with Mellotron flute and a spacey synthesizer solo, and in the end the sensitive electric guitar play returns. Aftertouch: After flashy synthesizer flights, Hammond and powerful drum beats a slow rhythm follows, featuring a blend of Mellotron violins, synthesizer runs, soaring Hammond and moving guitar runs, it sounds very dynamic and compelling. Halfway slide guitar, blended with lush Mellotron violins and Hammond, and topped with Mellotron flute work. Melloreed: First military drums, a spacey synthesizer sound and soaring Mellotron violins, then a slow rhythm featuring tender synthesizer flights, an accordion sound and Mellotron violins, backed by a deep bass sound and slow drum beats. It sounds as very tasteful and elaborate symphonic rock, with hints of 76-77 Genesis. Intermission: This short track starts in a dreamy climate with soaring synthesizers, the atmosphere is a bit melancholical, then tender piano play, pretty intense. Red Dust: The intro features an impressive choir, taken from a 1938 Mattheus Passion vinyl record! Then a slow rhythm with an electric guitar that rocks, fiery and howling. Next spacey synthesizers and Mellotron flute, blended with dreamy English vocals, a bit fragile. The emotional undertone is emphasized by the soaring Mellotron violins, moving electric guitar and slow synthesizer runs. This tracks features vocal parts done by drummer Menno Boomsma. Far Away: In this track Trion showcases its variety and musical ideas with folky acoustic guitar, subtle assorted percussion (like Neil Peart from Rush) and majestic Mellotron violins, in a slow rhythm, simply beautiful. One: This excellent composition alternates between dreamy, a slow rhythm and bombastic, what a tension and dynamics, wonderfully coloured with tasteful and varied work on keyboards (lush Mellotron violins, synthesizer flights, orchestral keyboards and tender Mellotron flute) and guitar, from intense slide to moving runs. The rhythm-section does a good job, from subtle to powerful. Growing Clouds: This short piece contains dreamy and intense interplay between acoustic guitar and fragile vocals again done by Boomsma. Paradox Groove: First an exciting contrast between a soaring synthesizer (phaser sound) sound and rock guitar, backed by tight drum beats. Then a slow rhythm featuring sensitive and distorted electric guitar, blended with spacey synthesizers. Another fine example of the interesting musical ideas on this album. Space For Everybody: First a slow rhythm with jazzy electric piano and a flashy synthesizer sound, then a wonderful electric guitar solo with howling runs. Halfway an acceleration (evoking Camel) featuring moving guitar and powerful Hammond, in a mid-tempo beat. The final part delivers first a slow rhythm, embellished with Hammond, synthesizer flights and awesome Mellotron choirs, then another moving guitar solo. In the end the music fades away with Hammond, Mellotron and guitar, a subtle goodbye from the band. This wonderful new album is a treat for fans of symphonic rock and Tron-maniacs. **** Erik Neuteboom (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
