Over the last few years drummer Christiaan Bruin has been a member of the Dutch progressive rock band Sky Architect. If you have read my reviews in the past you may have realized I am a huge fan of the band. Bruin has also released a couple of solo albums which are also very good. With his latest project Inventions Bruin has explored a different musical direction veering more into the realm of dreamy art pop. The debut Meta was released in 2017 and now it’s time for the follow up titled Curiosity.
There is nothing overly complicated or complex here which may be a surprise to those familiar with his other band. The instrumentation is very lush with a heavy handed use of keyboards and strings with less emphasis on guitars although they are present. The orchestrations are just so tasteful and at times quite beautiful. This is a richly melodic album and flows beautifully from one track to the next. This is definitely an album that should be listened to in order from the first track to the last. Some may argue there is a lack of dynamics with the songs sounding too similar to one another. While I would partly agree with that sentiment the songs are arranged with such finesse and the melodies so lovely I really don’t mind. As far as Bruin’s voice is concerned he mostly reminds me of John Mitchell, melodic but with a slight nasal monotone. I think his vocals are near a perfect fit for his dreamier, laid back style.
Special mention must be made of the alternate version of “Real Numbers” where Bruin’s exploration of space rock is perhaps my favourite track.
If you enjoyed Meta you should certainly pick up Curiosity. Another fine accomplishment for Bruin. Looking forward to hearing whatever comes next.
A Freia Music release.
Track Listing:
1. Pocket Universe
2. The Penrose Steps
3. Curiosity
4. Deep Thought
5. Real Numbers
6. Kites And Darts
7. Through The Needle’s Eye
8. The Grand Design
9. The Same River Twice
10. We Are Endless
Bonus Tracks
11. Real Numbers (Alternative Version)
12. Through The Needle’s Eye (Alternative Version)
13. O Stone, Be Not So
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