Beekstraat 1 - B-2640 Mortsel - Belgium

OLIVER WAKEMAN – Mother’s Ruin

Release

Style

Oliver Wakeman was born into a musical family, and is the eldest son of Rick Wakeman from Yes. He has written and appeared on various albums. The music from his first solo album "Heaven's Isle” has been used on various television programmes. On other albums, he featured many artists like Peter Banks and Rick Wakeman (Yes), Tony Fernandez (Strawbs), Tracey Hitchings (Landmarq) and Bob Catley (Magnum), Steve Howe (Yes, Asia), Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon), Ashley Holt (Rick Wakeman Band), Karl Groom (Threshold) as well as Robert Powell, the world renowned actor. Oliver wakeman also appeared on Ayreon's "The Human Equation" album, along with other musicians such as James LaBrie (Dream Theater), Ken Hensley (Uriah Heap) and Heather Findlay (Mostly Autumn), and he also played on Steve Howe’s album “Spectrum” alongside Tony Levin (King Crimson). In November 2005, Oliver released his latest album “Mother’s Ruin” through Progrock Records, and he will be performing shows in support of this album.
As the son of Rick Wakeman, this album is a bit influenced by the typical Yes songs, but it also has a fresh modern sound, with an original style. You can hear that Oliver is driven by his passion for rock music. The songs on the album are wonderful compositions, sounding very powerful. Tim Buchanan’s bass work is beautifully played, supported by the driving drum-work of Dave Wagstaffe. This rhythmic base gives Oliver & David Mark Pearce a great opportunity to play their well sounding melodies, while the voice of Moon Kinnaird fits perfectly on every song during this whole album. “Don’t come running” is a pure progressive rock song, driven by power with nice guitar- & keyboard work. “The Agent” does the same thing. The chorus of this song is one to remember, and sticks in your head from the first time you hear it. There’s also a duel of David Mark Pearce on guitar and Oliver on the keyboards. When the song is halfway, you get a first point of rest, getting right up to tempo again after a while. “In the movies” is a bit more calming, but also with a symphonic prog-rock feel. With “Walk away” Oliver and his band get into more power again, and also, the chorus is of the type you ‘d like the sing along with. The title track “Mother’s ruin” starts with a bit of a dark tune, but turns into a nice melody after the first minute. A nice song with a bit of calming melodies, powerful moments and catchy vocals. After the chorus, you’ll be surprised by a sober keyboard passage, and a next point of rest but not for long. The song soon turns into it’s full power again. “Calling for you” is more straight rock and based on a strong guitar riff. “If you’re leaving” is the ballad of the album, a song to close your eyes and dream away. A nice, emotionally piano part, with the right amount of guitar solo work. “I don’t believe in angels” also starts slow, but turns into a driven progressive song, with lots of symphonic influences, fresh guitar work & nice keyboards. “Wall of Water” is the masterpiece of the whole album, and an epic in it’s own right. Definitely the right choice to close the album. Al the musicians show off their talents on this one. It’s the longest song on the album, with lots of solo spots. Just a song to play over and over again.

Musicians

Don't Come Running (3:45)
The Agent (8:36)
In the Movies (5:11)
Walk Away (4:25)
Mother's Ruin (6:11)
Calling For You (4:02)
If You're Leaving (4:51)
I Don't Believe In Angels (4:32)
Wall Of Water (10:42)

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Last updated: 26 februari 2006 .
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