Chain Reaktor: Homesick

It is not often we have a family affair in the world of progressive rock but that is exactly what we have with the Dutch melodic prog band Chain Reaktor. It should come as no surprise though, you know what they say, a chip off the old block, so to speak. The band was formed by brothers Bart Laan (guitars, flute, vocals) and Arjan Laan (drums and percussion), with the help of their father Erik Laan (keyboards and vocals). Mark Op Ten Berg (bass) completes the quartet.

The band’s debut album Homesick was released in 2021. This a conceptual release, dealing with life in a city and the loneliness that might entail. The band play progressive rock, sometimes veering into heavy prog but with a high degree of melodic sensibility. The instrumental work is excellent, the guitar playing whether riffs or solos is at a very high level, and the vocals are of earworm quality. There is a melancholic aura surrounding much of the album but in no way is this a depressing listen, probably because the melodies are usually front and center. The album’s first track “The Day That Never Came� begins with a peaceful intro of bird song, leading into shimmering electronics and swaths of heavy guitar chords. The keyboard, synthesizer, and guitar solos are superbly executed. A moody and dark soundscape underlies “Lonely City�, the slowly bending guitar solo squeezing emotion into every note. The vocal arrangement in “Enjoy Your Life� is lush and melodic, much like the playing and in “The Lying King� moody guitar and winding synths take you through light and heavier realms. The disc ends with “A Thousand Diamonds� and its lovely vocal harmonies, violin, and soaring lead guitar.

Chain Reaktor is certainly a band to watch as Homesick is a wonderful debut, beautifully played with a melodic touch holding it all together. Highly recommended.

A Freia Music release.

Track Listing:
1. The Day That Never Came (10:34)
2. Lonely City (6:33)
3. Enjoy Your Life (4:47)
4. The Lying King (8:02)
5. Homesick (8:24)
6. Stop Yelling (9:11)
7. A Thousand Diamonds (6:29)

Added: August 29th 2023
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 376
Language: english

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