During the 2025 edition of the Northern Prog Festival (see review), there was a Dutch band that I saw play on stage for the first time. A band that left a very good impression. The band I am talking about is Sound Of Strangers and comes from the western part of the Netherlands. They started in 2016 and are inspired by the likes of Marillion, Rush, Riverside and Pink Floyd. Their debut Crossing Borders was released in 2023. Unfortunately, the album never reached our headquarters at the time, so a review of this fantastic album was never published. Yes, because it certainly is. Especially by international standards. But sometimes you get a second chance in life. And that chance was offered to us by OOB Records, who have re-released the album in preparation for the release of their second album later in 2026. Naturally, I seized that opportunity with both hands, and as a result, you can now read the review below of the amazing debut album by Sound Of Strangers. The line up that recorded their debut is not the line up that can be found on their successor. Reviewers have made a mistake in this regard in the past. Therefore, for the sake of clarity, I am giving the names that made the first album possible. They are Paul Peperkamp (bass, bass pedals, backing vocals), Paul Krempel (guitars, backing vocals), Oscar Alblas (drums, percussion), Serge Mannee (vocals), en Henk Zorge (keyboards). The last two names are no longer in the band and have therefore been replaced by singer Raymond Vermeij and keyboardist Ron Mozer. They were also present at the aforementioned NPF. Crossing Borders is a concept album which thematically revolves around a migrant family and relates of the hardships they endure during their travels, as well as their thoughts on past, present and future. The album is a compelling and melodic album. Most of all with emotionally charged music, which establishes a strong eighties symphonic sound with influences from bands such as Marillion, Pendragon, Pallas,and IQ. In short you could say neo-prog in its purest form: compelling, melodramatic, melodic, and accessible. Musically, it spans a wide range, from soaring guitar solos and powerful grooves to heartfelt melodies and mesmerizing poly-rhythms. The album has seven tracks and certainly starts convincingly with Ocean Sky. It sets the standard for the rest of the album. Right from the start when you hear guitarist Paul Krempel you know that he is influenced by Steve Rothery. Because you hear beautiful Marillion-based prog, melodic and captivating. The song reminded me very much of Marillion during the Season's End era. This also can be heard on the follow up Endless Night which follows without any interruption. .Did I already mention the excellent guitar solos? I guess I did. These are particularly impressive in the tracks Crossing Borders, Stateless Ending, Fire And Ice, and the earlier mentioned Ocean Sky. Mentioning the guitarist and his solos doesn't mean the rest of the band is not of a high level music wise. No, there is nothing to complain about. Everybody does their job on their instruments perfectly. Even the lead vocals are very good for a band that doesn't sing in their native language. It is only that the guitar solos make the difference in the very strong compositions and which were all written by their guitar player. I will not go further into detail about each of the songs because they are all top notch. If you like an album with musical styles that range from lush guitar solos and powerful rhythms to searing melodies and mesmerizing polyrhythmic phrasing Crossing Borders is there for you to discover if you haven't done so already. Because this is already the second time you can go for the music on their excellent debut album. In general if you like Season's End of Marillion there is no doubt you will enjoy Crossing Borders as well. But fans of other neo-prog from bands like Pendragon, Pallas, and IQ will certainly enjoy this excellent album as well. Sound Of Strangers put themselves on the prog map for sure. And will probably be a name to reckon with after they have released their second album later this year. Don't say you got this from me! The future looks bright for Sound Of Strangers that's for sure! **** Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
