Arkus - 1914
	Released: 1993 (reissue) Label: SI Music (defunct) Cat. No.: Simply 33 Total Time: 52:29
	Reviewed by: Stephanie Sollow, July 1999 Listening to Arkus, one is bound to make the following comparisons: Genesis, Landberk, (Fish-led) Marillion, Cast, and Camel. Only the first and last are possible, as this album was released in 1981. Featuring many nice, if somewhat familiar sounding, arrangements, this isn't a bad release. The lyrics are in English; unlike many who aren't native writers of English (Arkus are Dutch), the lyrics are servicable. Rhythym guitarist Frans Smits also handle vocals and sounds, as expected, heavily accented. Arkus really seem more interested in the instrumental compositions of their songs, the lyrics/vocals only providing colouring. The production gives it a very live feel - on some tracks the balance seems off - putting the drums way up front when the guitar is meant to be the focus (for example, "Adorable Women"). "Don't Break" starts out with a funky bass line, becomes something like a Depeche Mode track, with its parping keys, and then mellows out sound like Alan Parson Project or Camel. More about 1914: Track Listing: Overture (4:13) / Life (7:36) / Scared (6:48) / No Chance (8:29) / Adorable Woman (6:14) / 1914 (5:47) / Repudiation (5:35) / Don't Break The Silence (7:30) Musicians: John Bouwman - Bass, Vocals Frans Smits - Lead vocals, Rhythm Guitar Erik Van Duin - Drums, Percussion, Vocals Ron Willems - Lead Guitar Jan-Henk Wiggelinkhuizen - Strings, Organ and Synthesizer Discography 1914 (1981/93) Win or Lose (19?)
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