Beekstraat 1 - B-2640 Mortsel - Belgium

CASUAL SILENCE – Lost in life

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When I first put this CD in my CD player I was surprised by the quality of this symphonic progressive sextet from Helmond in the Netherlands. Sometimes you get overwhelmed by a new release but in this case the whole album took me by surprise in heart and soul. From Day one on I played this CD over and over again. This record has got some magic elements and let you hunger for more. The same feeling like I had with Mindgames ‘Actors In A Play. Also this CD is a concept album and the album title “Lost In life” was the right choice to describe what the story of this album is all about. It took four years before Casual Silence released this new album, but it was waiting worthwhile.

Eight beautiful atmospheric progressive rock songs spread over a total running time of one hour and forty five secondss. There’s no doubt that this is a high quality release whereby Damien Wilson (Treshold, Landmarq, Ayreon, Star One, Rick Wakeman) gives his co operation for a guest appearance on the vocals (listen to ‘Dress Code’ for instance). Also Sandra Peeters (V-Male) appears on the guest list of vocal artists. Casual Silence has got their own style of playing and that’s why I don’t want to compare them with other bands. Beautiful vocal work, sung by five great vocalists is typical for this release. But also the music is well played in a crystal clear production. Strong compositions, nice solo work, balanced keyboard melodies and a timed rhythm section makes this album a real jewel. Excuse me for saying that this one is already a top album of the year, but it is! If this album had reached me earlier in the month I had travelled to their official release party to hear and see them playing this melodramatic piece at the Bavaria House Event Center. I hope Casual Silence can be seen on the Belgian stages by promoting the album live. Ladies and gentlemen…. This is a top album!!!!

Musicians

Rob Laarhoven: Vocals
Ernst le Cocq d'Armendville: Guitar, Vocals
Mark Van Dijk: Guitar
Henry Meeus: Keyboards, Guitar
Eric Smits: Bass, Vocals
Igor Koopmans: Drums

Guest appearances:
Damien Wilson: Vocals
Sandra Peeters: Vocals

Goliath Theme (6:47)
Lost In Life (5:52)
Escape (6:34)
Memories (10:41)
Dress Code (8:20)
Masquerade (6:45)
Pieces Of Loss (6:06)
A Kiss Or A Bite (9:46)

Bad Side Memories (1997)
Shamelessly Dressed (1999)
Demo 2001 (2001)
Once In A Blue Moon (2003)
Live At Plato - Once In A Blue Moon DVD (2003)
Lost in life (2007)

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Last updated: 20 mei 2007 .
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