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The supply of Dutch Progressive band still seems to be growing. In the first month of this year we have already engulfed more than ten new albums of Dutch progressive bands. And not only the number is increasing, but also the quality. So we could also receive the album "Trans-Earth Injection" from the band Semi Stereo. This fifth and third full length album proves that there is definitely progress is in our Dutch music. Freia Music - the Dutch label for progressive music - the band has also discovered and Semi Stereo under contract.

I ended my review of their previous album " Semi Stereo " yet by saying " they should still seek out a strong singer or instrumental further . This remark they have certainly taken to heart and Paul Glandorf - known from A Day's Work - has joined the band. On their EP " Re-Ignite " Glandorf, as though to prove that he was definitely an asset to the band, although reviewer Ruard Veltmaat was still not entirely convinced that the combination was successful. On this album they show that one and a half years later, the spark jumped and the music and singing have made a connection.

The album is still a little uncomfortable out of the starting blocks with A New Tomorrow . This song sounds nice, with good access vocals, great guitars and great melodies, but nothing stands out. The qualities of the band that we in the other reviews is certainly set, but we have to wait until that really true. The second song, The Search, we know from their previous ep. Catchy and melodic, lovely floating music with fine vocals. Especially for those who have the EP " Re-Ignite have" not in their possession it's fine that it has been included on this album.

And yet I feel that now that the album really starts and the band from Loneliness At The Door shows how they want to sound anno 2017. Understated, atmospheric soundscapes, strong melodies with unexpected outbursts. The Glandorf song fits here perfectly and creates the dreamlike atmosphere that grabs you and does not let go. And as they say themselves "at times erratic and unpredictable."

The instrumental $ 35 Special is definitely one of the highlights. A very special track, with a specific structure. The song starts with gentle guitar and keyboard playing, over which voice samples that something mysterious indicate the number. I have yet to figure out what the band wants to express exactly with the samples, but it seems to fit in well-designed artwork. The layered structure of this song and the brilliant guitar solo which then enters the game with the horn section of guest musician Thomas Cochrane, make this a truly stunning composition.

The song The Storm Behind Your Eyes reminds me of another Dutch band, A Liquid Landscape , with the album " Nightingale Express " a strong sound turned down. A similar intoxicating tone that carries through you hold in a kind of trance and the number. The band Edison's Children had with " The Last Waking Moments " similar hypnotic effect.

In their spacious tenth anniversary Semi Stereo sound has been further developed into a unique view on the progressive world, drawn-out compositions, constantly managed to keep the tension and intrigue to the end. The comparison with bands we we have stated earlier as Oceansize , Karnivool , Radiohead , Tool and A Perfect Circle shall certainly continue. By "Trans Earth Injection" Semi Stereo has delivered an album that is sure to most of our readers will fall on fertile ground.

A New Tomorrow (5:34) 
The Search (10:41) 
Loneliness at the Door (5:13) 
35 Dollar Special (6:07) 
The Storm Behind Your Eyes (4:58) 
Your Drama (7:29) 
Sin (10:28)


SEMISTEREO – RE-IGNITE 2015 ep

Deliverance (6:01) 
Fall Out (6:50) 
Force Feed (3:33) 
The Search (10:42)