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One, The: Sunrise
 Dutch in origin but multi-national in construction, The One reveal their debut album Sunrise with a set of traditional progressive rock songs that revolve around the early hours of the morning. It was that time of day that inspired lyricist, slide guitarist and spoken word contributor Frank “Fish” Ayres as he set about putting words to the music composed by band leader Timothy van der Holst for this album. The main driving force behind the whole endeavour, Holst handles a multitude of instruments, although it’s Edwin in ’t Veld who plays electric and acoustic guitars. Adding voice to Ayres’ words is Max Gilkes, a singer who blends seamlessly into this setting and who welcomes the listener aboard with equal ease.
“The Thought Of Light” brings us into the morning, guitarist extraordinaire Fernando Perdomo adding his undoubted skills to proceedings and helping set the scene for a venture that’s gently energetic and yet relaxed enough to feel like an old friend. It’s a skill The One seem to possess throughout, nods to greats such as Yes, King Crimson and Pink Floyd given as “Remember”, “Let’s Laugh” and “The Time Stands Still” dance and twirl for your delight. All of the musicians involved have long gained experience within the music scene and that reflects in just how accomplished everything feels, with the arrangements sympathetic, familiar and yet never taking the simple, easy options. It all comes together to make for a smooth journey that stands up to repeat listens when you’re looking for intricate, involved music that doesn’t necessarily demand you to take an exam to understand it. Occasionally proceedings move up and down through the gears, the Rush like boldness in the intro to the title track illustrating the ability The One have to take it easy without ever quite feeling like they are doing so.
Sunrise is an album sure to delight long term followers of the prog rock scene, with this debut sounding both vintage and current at exactly the same time. Hopefully we’ll get to hear about the voyage this band take through the rest of the day on subsequent releases.
Track Listing
1. The Thoughts Of Light
2. Time Out
3. Pass Haunts Again
4. Remember
5. Lets Laugh
6. Between You And Me
7. The Time Stands Still
8. Sunrise
Added: April 17th 2025
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score: 
Related Link: Construction Records
Hits: 588
Language: english
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One, The: Sunrise
Posted by Jon Neudorf, SoT Staff Writer on 2025-04-17 23:25:36
My Score:
Here is an excellent progressive album from The Netherlands band The One and their debut album titled Sunrise. The project is led by musician/producer Timothy van der Holst (drums, bass, piano, Hammond, Rhodes, synthesizers, percussion). Joining Holst are lyricist/musician Frank ‘Fish’ Ayers (spoken word and slide guitar), Edwin in ’t Veld (acoustic and electric guitars), and vocalist Max Gilles.
Apparently, Sunrise is a concept album which I will not get into here, so this will focus solely on the music. The music and vocals are very well executed, the music taking on a retro vibe with references to Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, and the like. The playing is superb throughout and the melodies are plenty, so there is lots to latch on to here starting with the album opening instrumental “The Thoughts Of Light”. The beginning upbeat guitar riffs soon ease off as the keyboards and synths add another layer of sound, touching on ‘70s era Rush. I like the band’s dynamics, venturing between heavy and lighter motifs. A dreamy intro of chimes and percussion begins “Time out”, soon developing into dramatic riff progressions with fine drumming and classy instrumentation. The lead vocals and keyboards are especially melodic. “The Past Haunts Again” carries a dark aura with gothic sounding keyboards and crashing rhythms. The layers of guitar and synths bring a progressive touch and the lead vocals reminded me of Saga’s Michael Sadler, which should be taken as a huge complement. The Floyd-like string bending in the mellower “Remember” and the Yes-like keyboards in the dramatic prog rock of “Let’s Laugh” are more highlights.
The One’s Sunrise is an excellent debut album that fans of catchy progressive rock should easily appreciate. This one went down smoothly from the very first listen. Highly recommended.
A Construction Records release.
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