Ulysses - Eclectic

Year of Release: 2001
Label: self-released
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 32:15:00

Listening closely to the 5 track demo CD (which includes also a multimedia section) released this past November by Netherlands-based band Ulysses, I think you can easily spot the love this group still nurtures for the early days Dream Theater. However try not to draw your conclusions too early, 'cause the way Ulysses reinvents the old Dreamers sound is already outstanding in a lot of their musical passages. Take for example the beautiful riffs and melodies thrown in "Disbeliever;" it's obvious that this young ensemble has studied intensely to try to offer another view of the magic sound that enthralled us on records such as Images And Words and Awake. Unfortunately they have not fully accomplished the feat, but the task was undoubtedly hard, and I really believe that they are already on the right track to do a better job in the future. On the other hand, the present is now, so I have to make a few points about the things I don't particularly enjoy on this CD. First of all, it's clear that the production is under par, but if you consider that everything was recorded and mixed in only two days (!!!) ... well, with a little more time the CD should have blown my mind away. But I also have to raise some doubts about the vocal style of Raymond Jansen, the singer, who possesses such a particular and high-pitched voice that you will probably love it or hate it. Well, let me say I don't particularly like it, as I would have preferred a lower tone in some passages, and Raymond does not provide that. This is very strange, considering that he cites Ray Alder (of Fates Warning) as his favourite singer, and Ray is a master at delivering a sweet and gloomy melody when it serves just right. But all in all Eclectic is still a powerful start for the European five-piece, so the progressive labels should follow closely this combo, it might represent a pleasant surprise in the future days.

Tracklisting:
Hero For One Day (6:23) / Disbeliever (6:40) / Watching Over You (3:44) / Digital Dimension (8:03) / Once In A Lifetime (8:45)

Musicians:
Raymond Jansen - vocals
Ronald Eduardo Arie Mozer - keyboards
René Shippers - bass
Sylvester Vogelenzang De Jong - lead and rhythm guitar
René Van Haaren - drums

Discography:
Eclectic (2001)
Symbioses (2003)
The Gift Of Tears (2008)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin NL

Added: March 9th 2002
Reviewer: Igor Italiani

Artist website: www.ulysses-online.nl
Hits: 4011
Language: english