Dutch band 'Flamborough Head' regularly released albums in the 2000s and I remember their first album 'Unspoken Whisper' in 1998 which, at the time, had become one of my references in terms of symphonic progressive rock, then the years passed and the last album 'Lost In Time' already dating from 2013, I was no longer expecting a new studio recording. And then, a few weeks ago, the news of a new opus revived those good listening memories and, it's done, 'Jumping The Milestone' is now available to the delight of historical fans. The last line up has evolved since it is now 'Hans Spitzen' who officiates as guitarist and 'Eddie Mulder' has taken the place of bassist. We find the characteristic style which perpetuates a progressive rock with harmonious melodic lines, 'Margriet Boomsma' bringing a delicate song completely in phase with the refined atmospheres deployed.
Initially, the long development 'The Garden Shed' takes us on a beautiful peaceful and restful progressive journey in which we are accompanied by the divine flute and the melodious singing of 'Margriet Boomsma' and which presents beautiful sections instrumentals provided, especially with this first guitar solo à la 'Steve Hackett' from 'Hans Spitzen' which delicately tickles our ears. We continue in this delicate atmosphere with 'Tomorrow Is Another Day' and its completely addictive melodic theme that reminds me of the band 'Karnataka' (which stopped producing albums in 2015, 'Ian Jones' embarking on new projects), the vocals of 'Margriet Boomsma' approaching that of 'Hayley Griffiths' (who will release a solo album in early 2023). With 'Start Of A Nightmare', we go back a few decades with this feeling of a mixture between 'Focus' and 'Renaissance' which gave off a feeling of joyful carelessness, the classical guitar interventions being simply superb. Despite the relatively long duration of the compositions, we are completely captivated by all this positive atmosphere and 'Fear Of Failure' which follows, is still a perfect example with new melodic lines on which we completely abandon ourselves, the main theme coming back several times in different forms, being a pure delight. Follows 'Walls Of Words' which begins in a more energetic way with a catchy melody, 'Margriet Boomsma' gratifying us with a beautiful vocal performance in a joyful atmosphere, then, the second part slows down the tempo for a magnificent passage led by the guitar of 'Hans Spitzen', the keyboards of Edo Spanninga' and the flute of 'Margriet Boomsma' which rock us delicately, the finale returning to the playful theme of the start. And to end in beauty, the title track of more than 12 minutes takes us on a typical ballad of a subtle and refined progressive with all the ingredients that we want to find in this style, the whole giving way to long and splendid instrumentals sections interspersed with the soft and delicate vocals of 'Margriet Boomsma'.
In summary, the Dutch of 'Flamborough Head' recall to our good memory to release us a magnificent album which confirms all the talent of this formation which continues to distill us a subtle and melodious progressive which goes perfectly with the end of the poem 'Spleen and Ideal' by 'Charles Beaudelaire': "There, all is order and beauty, Luxury, calm and voluptuousness.". To enjoy quietly the helmet on the ears... | |
