Record Reviews

ALQUIN ~ MARKS ESOTERIC 2144 (Barcode: 5013929724426) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2009 1st album by the excellent Dutch Prog band AlquinFind albums by this artist, which enjoyed less popularity outside of their native country in comparison to bands like FocusFind albums by this artist, SupersisterFind albums by this artist or Earth & FireFind albums by this artist, but was by no means less talented or interesting. In fact many aspects of the band´s music, like their open-mindedness towards other genres like Jazz and World Music, as well as their instrumentation, which included woodwinds and brass and their love of improvisation, contributed greatly to their unusual sound and produced a beautiful effect. The music is full of unexpected developments, frequent tempo shifts and instrumental solos, all the elements that make music interesting. The overall effect is somewhat reminiscent of the music made by Canterbury Scene musicians, with Soft MachineFind albums by this artist often springing to mind. Nevertheless there is no imitation here whatsoever, as the musical ideas are fresh and unique. In retrospect this music lost nothing of its power or intrinsic beauty over the years and is still a most pleasant listening experience. A definite must to all Progheads!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ALQUIN ~ THE MOUNTAIN QUEEN ESOTERIC 2145 (Barcode: 5013929724525) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2009 2nd album by the excellent Dutch Prog band AlquinFind albums by this artist, which enjoyed less popularity outside of their native country in comparison to bands like FocusFind albums by this artist, SupersisterFind albums by this artist or Earth & FireFind albums by this artist, but was by no means less talented or interesting. In fact many aspects of the band´s music, like their open-mindedness towards other genres like Jazz and World Music, as well as their instrumentation, which included woodwinds and brass and their love of improvisation, contributed greatly to their unusual sound and produced a beautiful effect. The music is full of unexpected developments, frequent tempo shifts and instrumental solos, all the elements that make music interesting. The overall effect is somewhat reminiscent of the music made by Canterbury Scene musicians, with Soft MachineFind albums by this artist often springing to mind. Nevertheless there is no imitation here whatsoever, as the musical ideas are fresh and unique. In retrospect this music lost nothing of its power or intrinsic beauty over the years and is still a most pleasant listening experience. A definite must to all Progheads!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend