Triangle - Square The Circle

Year of Release: 2000
Label: Zizania
Catalog Number: ZEG0100
Format: CD
Total Time: 64:53:00

Triangle are a Dutch four piece with a definite neo-sound, as I hear elements of both Marillion (circa Misplaced Childhood) and Jadis in their sound. Marillion is the greatest influence here. While they don't quite rip off riffs from them, there are devices and dynamics that have been - the sound colors are quite similar. But, Brave is also a touchstone here. While this is quite good, there is an element of disjointedness about it. As if there are parts that don't quite blend together well - like a matte painting where you can see the join lines.

Where Marillion are the musical inspiration, vocalist/keyboardist Martijns Paaschens has a voice that hints at Gary Chandler (Jadis) - a bit higher in range, lacking some of the same power. Maybe an apt description would be Jadis stealing Marillion ideas.

Square The Circle isn't a bad album, though Paaschens voice isn't always true. They are more than capable musicians. Guitarist Roland van der Steop elicits some interesting sounds from his guitar, Peter van der Zwaal's drums are powerful, containing quite a bit of punch, though they sound a bit tinny during the opener "Foreword To The Elements Of Life"

"The Saddest Show" is somewhat different, including a bit of spoken narration by a man who could very well double for the pirate voice in Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean (without the 'aye mateys,' of course.) Topically its about the whole talk show and news culture - a life or a slice of it played for public display - news is no longer things that happen, but things that are made.

This is an okay debut, and shows the band has some promise. There are many nice moments on this, parts of the closer "Nature's Window" come to mind - which despite its Marillion/Pendragon feel, still manages to stretch out a bit within those confines.

Re-issued by Bee & Bee Records (BBTR2001)

Tracklisting:
Foreword To The Elements of Life (6:34) / Chasing The Shadows (7:29) / The Center Shines (11:08) / The Saddest Show (10:28) / Amy (5:36) / Pygmalion (13:11) / Nature's Window (11:07)

Musicians:
Roland van der Stoep - guitar
Jan-Willem Verkerk - bass
Paul van der Zwaal - drum
Martijn Paaschens - vocals, keyboards

Discography:
Square The Circle (2000)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin NL

Added: February 13th 2000
Reviewer: Stephanie Sollow
Score:
Hits: 2648
Language: english