It needed getting used to. Next to names such as
Machiavel and Now the Belgian progressive field was in need of fresh blood.
Then suddenly out of the blue emerged the detailed, well-balanced sound of
Ken’s Novel whom I met for the very first time during the Corbigny
festival in ’98. The band’s debut album faired well in the international
music media. Both the distinctive voice of singer Patrick Muermans and the
mature souund of the band balancing between vintage and neo-prog immediately
put the band firmly on the map. Needless to say it becomes difficult to
match the quality of the first concept album hence this 2-track advance
promo in order to see what the reactions of the ‘specialized’ press will
be to some of the band’s new material. ‘Domain of oblivion’ starts with a slight
synthetic salsa feel before the authentic rhythm takes over followed in
it’s footsteps by the vocals of Patrick. Needless to say this 14’11”
long track will take us on a pleasant journey throughout loads of different
atmospheres. Both percussion and bass will play a dominant role in pointing
the song in the right direction. Instead of having the organ play long
meaningless chords I would let the beast “prog’nroll” to the fullest,
really using all of it’s possibilities. Halfway through the song there’s
this small Spanish flavoured section which I would continue a little longer
adding pure flamenco guitar. By means of a bluesy approach on guitar, piano
and bass form the backbone of a jazzy excursion. Great effort on drums which
really should beef up the organ. The song ends with the same ‘hidden’
salsa effect as in the beginning, an element I would enhance further by
adding appropriate percussion. All in all a very rich composition containing
tons of influences. The second track ‘Mirror man’ is based on a
contemporary rhythm opening doors for Ken’s Novel which otherwise would
remain firmly shut without becoming too commercial. Based around electric
and acoustic guitars maybe a synth could add a certain melody to get it even
more recognizable ? These two tracks certainly illustrate how Ken’s Novel
has evolved from an enthousiastic bunch with a dream to release an album to
a firmly established band with the purpose to become the leading Belgian
newcomer in the domain of prog. The second novel by Ken will certainly be a
bestseller !
Reviewed by : John
‘Bo Bo’ Bollenberg |
||||||
