Vlyes is the new band of Kay Soehl, who is of course known as the founding member and former guitar hero of Sylvan. Besides Soehl on guitars and bass guitar, Vlyes further consists of lead singer Volker Oster and Jens Lueck (Single Celled Organism)on keys, drums, piano, backing vocals. Why is the debut album of Vlyes and it is a concept album about the bio industry and musically it almost could have been a new Sylvan album, although the music also reminds me of bands like Arena, Pink Floyd, Blind Ego, Eloy and even RPWL. Soehl's excellent guitar playing of course has clear references to guitar hero David Gilmour, especially in the amazing track I Need A Wise Friend; a true highlight of this awesome album that starts off with the instrumental The Arrival packed with acoustic and electric guitars melodies galore showcasing Soehl's guitar creativity indeed. Once In A While features lots of musical twists and turns and is characterized by a "ferocious" guitar solo. Calm Down is again a mix of RPWL and Pink Floyd and again Soehl's guitar solo is breath-taking. However, the milestone of this album is still to come and that is of course the title track, clocking in over ten minutes this song has it all; so melodic prog rock at its best. Needless to say, that Vlyes does not "create" any new sort of music but who cares about that if you are into this sort of music and of course if you like impressive melodic guitar solos in the veins of Gilmour then Why is a MUST have album indeed. Finally, I should mention that vocalist Volker Oster is not my favourite singer as he is definitely the weakest link of this album as he is really too dramatic most of the time; but you should find this out for yourself... Kay Soehl has made a great comeback with his first album in 18 years after Presets and Posthumous Silence; highly recommended indeed. **** Martien Koolen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
