CD Review: Arjen Anthony Lucassen - Lost In The New Real

Written by Craig Podmore Wednesday, 13 June 2012 12:08

Artist: Arjen Anthony Lucassen
Title: Lost In The New Real
Genre: Progressive Rock / Folk Rock
Release Date: 20th April 12
Label: InsideOut Music

Album Review

This double album from songwriter, composer Arjen Lucassen is most notably one of his most brave and epic endeavours to date. The album captivates listeners from the get go with it’s introduction narrated by the legendary actor Rutger Hauer. His lyrics are of a polemic nature, exploiting the likes of population control, Internet police and dystopian societies that are bound by such technological intelligence. Lucassen gets serious in places, especially with the likes of ‘Parental Procreation Permit’ and ‘E-Police’. There are sentimental spots too with songs like ‘When I’m A Hundred Sixty-Four’; a gentle folk song that has a profound insight and a comical twist, the great thing about Lucassen is that he never restricts himself artistically or aesthetically. He wants to have a laugh in small, subtle and sardonic doses. There are some heavy moments too, ‘Welcome To The Machine’ begins with a foreboding, ambient hum accompanied by an atmosphere of machined tones that is relentlessly overtaken by an omnipotent heavy metal riff. It is perhaps the only stand out track on the lacklustre second CD.

Whilst creating interesting worlds for the background of his music as an immense scope, he weaves some sounds of grandeur – at times, you observe the obvious in his references to other mainstream music that he has paid homage too throughout the record. Led ZEPPELIN, PINK FLOYD and THE BEATLES all come to mind, specifically with the cheesy but catchy song ‘Pink Beatles in A Purple Zeppelin.’ At times, it’s tongue in cheek and you can tell due to the vibe of the album that Arjen loves getting lost in his own dimensions. Lyrically, Arjen is interesting; he has a vast imagination, which lends itself hand in hand with the music. However, the second CD is the culprit here. It feels as if it was misplaced or perhaps a pretentious decision to have a double album. The serious tone dissipates and by the fifth song on the second CD you’re either having a déjà vu affect or you gain paranoia on whether the CD is possibly scratched. It’s a shame because the first CD that is shrouded in a splendid vigour of eccentric idealisms really has such strength. The cheese from the beginning is somewhat acceptable and palatable but by the second CD it is (unfortunately) incredibly mouldy.


Tracklist

Line-up

Arjen A. Lucassen – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Bass & Keyboards
Ed Warby – Drums
Ben Mathot – Violin
Maaike Peterse – Cello
Rutger Hauer – Spoken Vocals


Websites

http://www.arjenlucassen.com/


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 5
Sound: 6
Total: 5/ 10