Knight Area - The Sun Also Rises
	Released: 2004 Label: Laser's Edge Cat. No.: LE 1037 Total Time: 51:03
	Reviewed by: Joshua Turner, March 2004 This album is unquestionably neo-progressive. A sticker affixed to the album notes comparisons between Genesis, Camel, IQ, and Pendragon. I can hear these influences and these are definitely the roots to what became neo-progressive music. However, to give a more precise description of their music, Galahad and RPWL come to mind. They bring these two disparate formulas together in an effective manner. The prickly and pungent high notes of the keyboard drill into a sweeping and serene atmosphere. The rhythm section jingles in the breeze and the shutters tap against the foundation. Awoken by the commotion, the vocalist is groggy and speaks out in a belabored manner. Filling his lungs with a yawn, he daydreams throughout the passages while the others prod and pull to awaken him. His voice is very similar to Yogi Lang of RPWL, which exudes patience and benevolence. He takes time between each word and makes every breath last. The counter-balance between his voice and the instrumentals adds a pleasant dimension to the music. Speaking of instruments, you will hear an accordion early on. Unlike the bombastic nature of a Weird Al song when the accordion is introduced, the accordion here is finely combed into the mix. You wouldn’t know unless you were looking for it. In a later song, a flute enters into the scene almost bordering on Jethro Tull. While neo-progressive music is typically guilty of producing a certain sound and sticking to it for long durations at a time, this music does not seem to stagnate. It actually gets better as the album progresses. The album was even better on the second listen. This one can honestly be categorized as a grower. The different instruments, the distinctive vocals, and the many transitions keep the music interesting and hold a listeners ear. While neo-progressive music is not necessarily my favorite brew, this album does a good enough job to land itself in the stack closest to the stereo. Rating: 4/5 [See also Marcel's, Steph's and Eric's reviews - ed.] More about The Sun Also Rises: Track Listing: Beyond... (0:27) / The Gate Of Eternity (7:21) / Conspiracy (5:38) / Forever Now (4:21) / The Sun Also Rises (5:51) / Conviction (5:44) / Mortal Brow (6:21) / Moods Inspiring Clouds (5:14) / A New Day At Last (5:21) / Saevis Tranquillis In Undis (3:14) Musicians: Gerben Klazinga - keyboards, drums (1, 2, 5-9), and vocals (8) Joop Klazinga - flute (2-9) Mark Smit - lead vocals (2-4, 6-9) Peter Van Heijningen - lead guitar (1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 10) Jeroen Hogenboom - guitar (1-5, 7-9) Arjan Groenendijk - guitar (4, 6, 7, 9) Gijs Koopman - bass (1, 3, 4, 5, 6), bass pedals (1, 3) Ron Van Der Bas - bass (2, 6-9) Mark Van Nieuwenhuizen - drums (3, 4, 5) Vincent Frijdal - acoustic guitar (6) Kees Flameling - accordion (2) Stephanie Lagrande - vocals (7) Contact: Website: www.knightarea.com Note: will open new browser window Discography The Sun Also Rises (2004) Interview: Joop Klazinga (March 2004)
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