EDWARD REEKERS: The Liberty Project (PROGRESSIVE ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

While the name Edward Reekers as a solo artist may not evoke a plethora of productions, those of Kayak, the Dutch band of which he was a member for two periods, and Ayreon, of which he is a recurring singer, will define the contours of his musical personality a little more precisely.

Nevertheless, "The Liberty Project" is his fourth album under his own name, and is at once a rock opera, a musical and a concept album, whose theme could be summed up as "Imagine if there had been a second big bang? Would it have changed our evolution? Would it have created a parallel world? In what form?" ... you have 81 minutes to find the answer to this question.

Edward Reekers has insured the help of some of the big names who are used to this type of project, including Steve Hackett, Damian Wilson and Arjen Lucassen, who provide talented support for the Dutchman. This brings us even closer to the musical style deployed throughout the album's 17 compositions. Add to this the fact that Edward Reekers made his return to Kayak with the release of the concept album "Nostradamus", and you've got a tasty mix that moves between metal surges punctuated by powerful backing vocals ('The Disease') and symphonic ballads carried by female vocals ('Two Lifetimes').

More generally, fans of Kayak and its two concepts, "Merlin" and "Nostradamus", will find themselves on familiar territory. Medieval influences are clearly present, both in the construction of certain tracks ('The Present Day', 'The Clash of Belief') and in their execution ('Remember the Fallen, Celebrate Life'). The use of numerous female, male and even children's backing vocals ('We Live to Die') adds to the rock opera feel, while the progressive aspects are carried by the few more metal passages ('The Disease'), directly inspired by Ayreon and carried by Damian Wilson, but also by a few well-felt guitar soli, masterfully delivered by artists whose reputation in this field is well established.

The symphonic aspects are also well present, and the beautiful ballad offered by 'Liberty' will undoubtedly delight those nostalgic for the Alan Parsons Project, the final mix of strings and brass rising in power being most tasty. As for fans of musical comedy, lighter passages such as 'Onwards and Forwards' should please them. In the midst of all this sweetness, however, there's a heavy modern UFO ('Money') whose place on the album is hard to fathom. Although in keeping with its purpose, this track is unconvincing and seems to be intended rather to enhance appreciation of the rest of the album and its harmonious production.

Despite this slight snag, "The Liberty Project" presents us with a set of coherent, accessible and perfectly assembled compositions which, if they don't shine by their originality for those familiar with the work of Ayreon and Kayak, will speak to the ears of a very large number of people. - Official website

EDWARD REEKERS

THE LIBERTY PROJECT

MASCOT LABEL GROUP

PROGRESSIVE ROCK