Exposé Online banner

Exposé Online

Not just outside the box, but denying the existence of boxes.
Covering music from the fringes since 1993.

Reviews

Timelock — Louise Brooks (2022 Edition)
(Bandcamp no#, 2022, 2CD / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2023-04-28

Louise Brooks (2022 Edition) Cover art

Timelock is a Dutch band that started in the early 90s, and if Louise Brooks is anything to go by, their style is firmly in the accessible vein of the 80s neo-progressive bands that went before them. This is the most pop-inflected version of the style rather than the more complex Genesis-influenced version that was also widespread. While there is some resemblance to Saga at times, Timelock’s music makes Saga seem complex. (No slight to Saga intended — they produced some great music in their time.) In any case, the band has reissued their 1992 album with a host of bonus tracks that more than double the length of the album. Several live recordings are included, along with a new recording of “The Seance,” which was the longest track on the original. As an example of the style, Timelock isn’t bad, though listeners used to more challenging fare will need to adjust expectations. A highlight is “Someday,” which has a tasty arrangement with a bit of an orchestral flavor as well as some nice soprano sax work by a guest musician. Overall, I’d recommend Louise Brooks only for listeners who have a nostalgic feeling for accessible, melodic rock that has slight tinges of the progressive style. Back in the 90s, it was a running gag among long-time progressive rock fans that neo-prog was essentially a dumbed-down version of “real” prog rock, but the passage of time can help us beyond trendy attitudes and give perspective. That being said, Timelock doesn’t really refute the old proposition. The album is what it is, and it’s a well-made example of the style.

Filed under: Archives, 2022 releases

Related artist(s): Timelock

More info
http://timelockband.bandcamp.com/album/louise-brooks-2022-edition

 

What's new

These are the most recent changes made to artists, releases, and articles.