In 2020, Brian de Graeve gave us our first glimpse into his new musical project Realisea, which he had started together with his wife Marjolein de Graeve. He did this at 't Blok in Nieuwerkerk a/d IJssel (see review), a concert venue where he had already played several times with his other band, Silhouette. But now, for the first time, he stood on his own two feet with a band he had assembled to perform songs from his as-yet-unreleased debut album Mantelpeace (2020). Additionally, during this semi-acoustic concert, he also played songs by Silhouette. Now, six years later, much has changed for Brian and his lovely wife. Because Silhouette had not been active in the intervening years, he had plenty of time to work on his band and has since released two studio albums. The aforementioned debut and Fairly Carefree (2022). And now there is also a third album Scratch, released by a band that has made significant musical progress over the years. Naturally, there was also a CD presentation to which BM was invited. To make the event a wonderful musical evening, Brian had asked Erik Laan, his musical partner in Silhouette, to play classic Silhouette songs with him before he would climb the stage with his other band. I must confess that I actually hadn't expected it to turn into an unforgettable evening, but it happened anyway. I'll tell you why!
Silhouette Acoustic

Silhouette Acoustic

L to R: Erik Laan, Brian de Graeve & Jos Uffing (►more photos)

Usually, acoustic performances are not really my cup of tea. But the way Brian (acoustic guitar and vocals) and Erik (keyboard and vocals) managed to captivate their audience during their half-hour on stage says a lot about the musical craftsmanship of both musicians. After all, without the help of many electric instruments and a rhythm section, it is always a question of whether the songs will hold up. Fortunately, this was indeed the case. With songs from the entire Silhouette discography and a new song (Garden Of Angels was announced as a track from their sixth album, which of course hasn't been released yet), there was plenty to enjoy musically. Naturally, the songs sounded somewhat different from the original studio versions. But the audience, including former Silhouette bassist Gerrit-Jan Bloemink, enjoyed it just as much. Songs like March Of Peace, Grendel Memories /Far Away, Wings To Fly, Web Of Lies and Feeling God (with old Silhouette and current Realisea drummer Jos Uffing on guest vocals) sounded more than good, and there wasn't a moment when boredom set in. So, this short performance to warm up the audience was more than excellent and, above all, very successful.
 

Realisea

As previously announced, it was an unforgettable evening filled with great music. Part of the reason for this is Brian's very well-rehearsed band. A band he is very proud of, as he told me afterwards. And that justifiication became clear after the second satisfying performance of the evening. Spread over two sets and one encore, the

Brian and Marjolein de Graeve (►more photos)

band showed and demonstrated that they can perfectly interpret the songs from their three studio albums. Practicing once every two weeks had certainly paid off. Of course, the songs didn't sound exactly like the studio versions. But that is no problem at all. I always appreciate it when there is a slight deviation from what we hear on a studio album. So here too, we were able to enjoy songs from the band's entire repertoire. Naturally, the emphasis was on the new album, the majority of which was played. Only Eternal Sleep and The Sixth Pamphlet were not performed, perhaps because they are too complex to play live. But even without these two fine songs, there was plenty to enjoy. And above all, wonderfully executed. But what do you expect when you have in the band three vocalists (Brian, Marjolein & Jos Uffing) who sounded excellent and two guitarists (Rindert Bul &Jos de Jong) who also sounded excellent and gave great solos and did great twin guitar parts. Plus, they have two people who can play the keyboards (Christophe Rapenne & Brian) and a great-sounding rhythm section (drummer Jos Uffing & bassist Patrick Verheij). They are perfectly attuned to each other and that was clearly audible during the songs played. I won't name every song individually. Every song was simply performed fantastically. But I cannot deny that there were standouts. The longest song of the evening, in particular, really captivated me. Living The Dream, the opening track of the new album was performed with exceptional skill.

Rindert Bul and Patrick Verheij (►more photos)

Todays Cloud, the only song in which Jos Uffing sings from behind his drum kit was also beautiful to behold and listen to. And then, of course, not to forget When Snow's Falling Down the only Silhouette song for which Erik climbed onto the stage to sing with Brian. It was simply amazing! What is also particularly worth mentioning is the interaction between Brian and his lovely wife Marjolein throughout the entire performance. Apparently, the love is still fully present after all these years together. Perhaps both of them also ensure that the fire on stage keeps burning time and again. And that is exactly how it should be, in my opinion!

The band indicated in pre-release announcements that a next step was being taken in their career. And this is certainly undeniable. Huge strides have been made both on the new album and on stage. And if the band can maintain this new musical level, there will be even more of these fine albums and concerts to enjoy in the future. I am absolutely certain of that! For now, the band can only look back with pride on a more than successful CD presentation in which they showed that they are also a band to be reckoned with on stage. Very well done!

Henri Strik (edited by Dave Smith)