Album review overview: Duane Betts, Ayreon and more
Dozens of new albums arrive at Maxazine’s editorial staff every week. There are way too many to listen to them all, let alone review them. It ensures that too many albums are left behind. And that’s a shame. That is why today we post an overview of albums that arrive at the editors in short reviews.
Eric Demuro – Simulacra
Few places speak to the imagination as directly as Venice. Say the name of the city and images immediately arise of gondolas drifting through the canals, propelled by human strength and operetta singing. An idyllic image that is now sharply disrupted by mass tourism arriving by colossal cruise ships. Yet we hold on to the traditional image we have of the city. Bassist Eric Demuro comes from Venice and with his debut album “Simulacra” delivers a record that can be compared very well to his birthplace. You hear refinement, where everything revolves around atmosphere. The emphasis in the six compositions lies on tone colour and purity of sound rather than melody or virtuosity. But the electronics that Demuro frequently uses on top of his repetitive bass loops sometimes act like such a floating apartment block that threatens to ram the quay: it occasionally docks in the music in a completely dissonant way. At the same time, this ensures that the record does not become overly tedious. No, we are not yet convinced. (Jeroen Mulder) (6/10) (Bastard Jazz Recordings)
Jayler – Voices Unheard
“Voices Unheard” is the debut album of this promising British rock band. The album contains eleven tracks bursting with energy. Singer James Bartholomew steals the show with his high, powerful and soulful voice. Soon, Jayler will go on tour as the support act for Deep Purple, which will only further increase their recognition and reputation. “Voices Unheard” is a strong blueprint of a band we will probably hear a lot more from in the future. The only point of criticism is that Jayler leans very heavily on swagger and familiar tricks and brings too little innovation within the genre. A point to take into account for the second album. (Ad Keepers) (7/10) (Silver Lining Music)
Camille – Negen levens
With “Negen levens”, Camille Dhont (Wevelgem, Belgium, 2001) delivers her sixth studio album, and the first since “Circus” to immediately reach number one in the Ultratop. Opener “Pingpong” sets the tone: a cheerful pop tune with a hook that sticks, aimed at teenagers rather than the adult consumer, but expertly crafted. Behind the controls is Léon Palmen, the man behind Donnie’s “Bon Gepakt” and hits by S10 and Froukje, and that is audible in the finish. This is catchy summer pop, far less exhausting than K3, aimed at even younger girls. “Popcorn” leans towards the positive vibe of Ose’s “Même Jeu” that premiered a few weeks ago on Maxazine. In short, a record that always fits, as long as it is not a funeral. (Jan Vranken) (8/10) (CNR Records)
Duane Betts – Isle of Hope
Duane Betts, son of Allman Brothers guitar legend Dickey Betts, releases with “Isle of Hope” his most layered solo album to date. Where his debut “Wild Precious Life” from 2023 honoured his father’s legacy, this album sounds like an artist who has found his own voice. The southern rock and Americana roots are unmistakably present, but Betts adds country influences and vocal harmonies that give the whole a richer texture. The title track “Isle of Hope” is an open-hearted ode to his roots in Georgia, while songs such as “Long Way Home” and “Blood Runs True” show the emotional depth that sets this album apart from its genre peers. The guitar work is, as expected from a Betts, outstanding, and the production is warm without sounding polished. For lovers of southern rock in its most authentic form, this is a record to live with for a long time. (Daniel Harris) (8/10) (Royal Potato Family)
Ayreon – 30th Anniversary: An Amazing Flight Through Time
Fans of Ayreon can once again reach for their wallets. “Ayreon 30th Anniversary: An Amazing Flight Through Time” is a large-scale live recording celebrating the 30th anniversary of the progressive rock metal project by Arjen Lucassen. The album and accompanying concert films were released on 5 June. Initially, the release was planned for 22 May, but Lucassen moved the date to 5 June because he needed more time to personally sign all physical pre-orders. As always, everything is meticulously produced, and fans from all corners of the world get full value for their time and money. The live recordings were made during a series of five completely sold-out shows at venue 013 in Tilburg, where no fewer than 15,000 fans from 71 countries attended. In contrast to earlier live shows focused on a single album, “An Amazing Flight Through Time” is a retrospective consisting of two acts. Act 1 deliberately focuses on rare gems with songs never performed live in an Ayreon show. This includes tracks from side projects Star One and Guilt Machine. Lucassen even goes further back in time with “Days Of The Knights” from his first solo album. Act 2 consists of the better-known and heavier Ayreon classics. Giving a rating for this impressive musical document is impossible. Anyone who even remotely enjoys progressive metal or rock at Champions League level should have this recording in their collection. (Ad Keepers) (9/10) (Music Theories Records)
