Metroland

When I found out Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark were performing in the Netherlands, I noticed Metroland were supporting them. I was not familiar with this band, so I did some research and found I really enjoyed their music.

It was Electronic Music, but not as I heard it before, although there was one German band, whose name starts with a K, that had a deep influence on them. Not only did I see their show that night, but also met the band and had a nice chat with them. It was very nice and interesting to meet them and learn more about their music. Watch this review and meet Metroland.

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Scarlet Stories - Scarlet Stories

It is always a treat to discover new music. When you find musicians that capture you with the simplest of instruments, voice and guitar, you know you have found talent. That brings me to Scarlet Stories and their self-titled debut EP. They were brought to my attention by my friends of Progwereld and I got in touch with the band.

Well, actually a duo, who filled a very nice debut release with 7 captivating songs. Performed just with vocals and acoustic guitar. The band creates a beautiful, almost medieval atmosphere. Follow me in this review, as I will tell you more about these musicians, their music and what more they will be doing!

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Venja - Mode Zen

Festivals are a great place to discover new music, even when musicians are not performing. At the E-Day 2013 festival, many labels and bands presented themselves. One such musician was Johan Geens, the man behind Venja. He presented his new album at the B-Wave stand: Mode Zen.

It didn't take much time for me to make the click with the music. An almost spiritual journey through electronic music, with some interesting surprises in the album. Watch this vidoe review and discover more about this beautiful album.

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Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (Paul Humphreys)

One thing I never would have dreamt of, is doing an interview with OMD! I grew up with the music of OMD. As a young kid I loved songs like Maid of Orleans, Tesla Girls, Locomotion, Forever Live and Die and many more. When I revisited the band, thanks to a BBC show called Synth Brittania, I found they were back and already were about to release their second album, English Electric.

So when they announced a show in Tivoli (Utrecht, NL), all of a sudden an interview seemed possible. Thanks to some helpful and nice people, I got the news I could have a chat with Paul Humphreys, before the show. It turned out to be a very nice chat and I learned a few new things about OMD. Curious? Watch the interview and find out.

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Wilson, Steven - The Raven That Refused To Sing and other stories

What expectations do the name of an artist give you? Is that a reason to blindly buy an album? What about Steven Wilson? He has built up a considerable reputation in music. It is a fact, his name sells. I am a fan of Steven Wilson, but mainly of his work with Porcupine Tree. His solo work is something different and didn't grab me as much as PT did.

So when his third solo album was announced, I was a bit sceptical. Nevertheless, I have tremendous respect for him as composer. After having heard one of the tracks, I was hooked and took the plunge. Watch this video review and plunge with me in this musical piece called The Raven That Refused To Sing.

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District '97 - Trouble With Machines

Trouble With Machines is the second album by the Chicago based District '97. This young band impressed the world with their stunning debut and this album shows again what an incredibly talented musicians they are. Excellent songwriting and a great front lady, Leslie Hunt, who in 2007 made it to the top 10 of American idol.

It is fantastic to see such young people write and perform this amazing songs. Follow me in this video review, as I wil tell you more about this band, that is the future of prog.

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Nisus - Electronic Medication

One of the ways to discover new music, is to just jump in and buy an album, on a hunch, without having heard it. There's a 50% chance you'll like it. In my journey through the world of Electronic Music, I have done that several times.

This way I discovered a lot of worthwhile, interesting and good music. And of course I alsways share my findings with you. So please tag along and watch this review, as I tell you all I know about the album Electronic Medication by Nisus.

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Panic Room - Skin

Skin is the third album by Panic Room, yet it is the first album I hear of them. Panic Room comes forth from Karnataka, as four of the members also were a part of that band. I was familiar with Karnataka, but that band never clicked with me. For that reason I was in doubt whether or not to review the album.

But while listening to the album, I discovered it's inner beauty. The band won me over with their intimate, subtle atmosphere and well crafted songs. Simply by listening to this album, I discovered the strength of the band and what makes them standout. If you watch my review, I hope you will discover that too.

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Landmarq (Tracy Hitchings)

Back in 2003 I saw Landmarq for the first time. Now, some 10 years later, they returned to Holland for a few shows and I was happy to see them at the Rock ITtervoort festival. The band delivered a stunning performance and Tracy Hitchings showed what an amazing singer she is!

The past years have been an eventful period for the band, but especially for Tracy, but also a happy period, as they recently released their long-awaited new album, Entertaining Angels and are back on stage. So I was happy to catch up with Tracy and look back on the past years, but also ahead, to the future.