Remembering November evening 24 in 2023 as a stormy evening, but most of all remembering it as the evening Inhalo and Chain Reaktor played at Parkvilla. It was also the day that Inhalo received the IO Pages Prog Award 2022. A prize issued by the Dutch Prog Magazine IO Pages. The award was presented by Arne van Os van den Abeelen.

Arne (left) handed over the award (►more pics)

After some nice words from Arne regarding Inhalo's first album it was time for some music.
 

Inhalo

Inhalo was the first band to open the double headliner concert organized by Serious Music Alphen. The first track was the instrumental Omniscient Being unfortunately not played live by the band. But I can understand that because of the piano and keyboard parts on the album and not having a keyboard player live. It's a fine short instrumental piece which also is the opening track from their debut album Sever (2022, see review). After tuning the guitars it was showtime for Inhalo.

Subterfuge followed with some fine bass parts from Peter Cats. The track was the standard for some great music this evening. A track that reminds me of the energetic music of Porcupine Tree.

Suzana Raya (►more pics)

Next was Sisyphean with some fine vocal harmonies by band members Peter Cats (bass and vocals), Susana Raya (guitar and vocals) and lead singer Fons Herder. Fons Herder's wonderful voice fits perfectly with this kind of music and was probably the reason the band asked him as the lead singer while they were already making their debut album. Subterfuge was also the track with some excellent drumming from Pepijn Gros and a fine guitar solo from Roy Willems. Pretenders is a power ballad that keeps hanging around in your head once you heard it. Again with excellent harmony vocals and some fine drumming. Susana Raya from Spain is the newest member of the band and she shows in this song that she enjoys playing in this band with much confidence.
Someone else with a lot of confidence is guitar player Roy Willems who surprised singer Fons with a new ending of this track. Writing about Roy brings us to the track Eventide which contains a beautiful E-Bow guitar solo supported by a very nice video clip and a Yell from Roy at the end of the song. Coming almost to the end of the show without mentioning again Peter Cats great bass playing in Mirror Door.

Inhalo is a very talented band with some fine musicians and got a well deserved
standing ovation from the audience. If you like a band like Porcupine Tree you have to hear and see Inhalo.

 

ChainReaktor

Erik Laan (►more pics)

Second band this evening also from the Netherlands was Chain Reaktor. I am a reviewer who doesn't like to write about the band's history, but this time I make an exception because its important to understand some conversations between Bart Laan and the audience. The band Chain reactor consists of 5 members: Erik Laan on keyboards and vocals and also best known from the band Silhouette. Erik's sons Bart Laan on guitar, flute and vocals and Arjan Laan on drums. The 2 other remaining band members are Mark op den Berg on bass and Arianne van Nieuwenhuijsen on guitar and vocals.

The band starts the set with the excellent opener The Day That Never Came. A perfect song to open a concert and a powerful track with very nice guitar, keyboard and flute playing. And not to forget the excellent powerful drumming from Arjan Laan. Another great track on the set list is The Lying King, a song about false promises from record company's supported by a video in the background showing dark clouds. A video that shows the atmosphere of the track and supported with some fine playing on synth and guitar. After this track Bart has some interaction with the audience and tells them that he received a message coming from his earphones. Someone telling him that their debut record is for sale after the concert. A chat which brings many smile's on the crowds faces and laughing from the audience including me.

Arianne van Nieuwenhuijsen (►more pics)

Another great track this evening is the title track from their debut record Homesick (2021, see review). This song has a little Spanish flavor and contains some stunning guitar and synth solo's and not unimportant to mention angelic background vocals from Arianne. This evening was the second time I saw the band live and was very pleased they played again Ayreon's cover Amazing Flight.

And indeed it was an amazing flight. Especially for Arianne van Nieuwenhuijsen. Looking very cool with her guitar on her back she stepped out of the shadow and sang with great belief the only way it should be done. One of the highlights of the evening for sure. Bart told us after this unforgettable performance that DAD Erik had brainwashed them with Ayreon during many car rides. And what would have happened if dad had them listen to POP songs instead? Probably they would have now a bigger bank account according to Bart. After the band introduction, the last track of the evening is Lonely City with some fine Moog Minitaur playing by Mark Op Den Berg on his midi-bass guitar.

Like Inhalo the band also gets a standing ovation from the audience when they finish the show.

Finally an evening not to forget with great performances from both bands. Hopefully we can see more great performances at this wonderful venue.

Roel Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen)