Review by Jurriaan Hage
(from Axiom of Choice)
Collage is a Polish band and they have released a few albums to date,
with Basnie (or Fairy Tales) being the most widely known. They also have
something out called Nine Songs of John Lennon and something called Zmiany
and also quite a number of videos (4).
Their new album for SI was also recorded here in he Netherlands and I must say
that they pulled it off well. The drummer likes to riff away at times and the
keyboard player is also left plenty of room in this neo band, so it's not just
guitar in this band. The only member that's left a bit on the side is the bass
player (or maybe my ears are bad at spotting bass players).
What about the songs? Well, they are well structured, well played and more
importantly the melodies and vocal melodies are good and the sound is also
balanced.
The first song starts out kind of semi-classical, and approaches cheesiness, but
they make up for it along the way, though at times the cheesy keyboards do
return and not to my satisfaction. The style is neo-prog, but with a difference.
An objection people might make to this album, that there is too much happening
especially in the epics. The ears never have the slightest chance of catching
their breath.
This album has everything an album needs: good varied songs, good playing, a
full sound and emotion in the songs that a lot of bands lack (listen to the
great "Wings in the Night" to hear what I mean). The band can
be both bombastic, making your ears ring and they can be soft and quiet (the
acoustic intro to "In your Eyes"). They can also be quite
classical and than mostly in the keyboards (the intro to "Heroes
Cry").
The guitar sound is very clear and reminds me of Rothery in his later days, but
the band is more bombastic than Marillion. Another reference is Egdon Heath,
because of the relative large amount of keys and the overal style, though the
Eggies are more subdued.
It has been a while since a truly original album has been put before me and this
isn't one either, but it has also been a while since a band has been able to put
together an album that was this good from beginning to end. Worth anyones
attention, especially people interested in a band like Egdon Heath.
REVIEW: Hans G. Backman (hgb@hem1.passagen.se) from Gothenburg, Sweden
(this review is borrowed from PROG-NET!)
Rating: ***** (out of 5 - excellent!)
This is the new album from the Polish symphonic progband. It's clear sympho music with beautiful guitar and keyboards. One special thing about this album is the way the guitar and keys talks to each other liken they are in a conversation...really beautiful! A must get for anyone who likes sympho prog...keep your eyes open and watch out for further releases from this fine Polish band!
MUSEA:
Moonshine is a new album from 1994 where COLLAGE expressive progressive rock is tinged with beautiful neo-progressive and easy melodies. |