Progressive rock – pop has been around for decades but the beloved genre takes a turn for the better with,Airborne, the 2013 CD from the Belgium based band known as Fish On Friday. The band is centered around the talents of its two prime movers–Frank Van Bogaert (keyboards, guitars, vocals) and his song writing partnerWilliam Beckers (keyboards, percussion), both of who are superbly backed by a full band including Marty Townsend (guitars), Marcus Weymaere (drums), Bert Embrechts (bass) and a pair of backing singers.
Calling the Fish On Friday sound sumptuous would be an understatement. The wide screen FoF sound takes some of its cues from Dark Side era Pink Floyd and even some of the music of Alan Parsons. Frank Van Bogaert is a most effective singer and on a number of tracks here—such as the title track “Airborne” and the lead off track on the CD, appropriately entitled “Welcome”—the sound just soars. Lyrics, written and sung in English (of course) by Frank are displayed here in a superbly designed CD booklet which accompanies the album packaging. Belgium might not be that well known as a progressive rock stronghold but with this second FoF CD, it’s put on the musical map in a big way. Best part of the Airborne CD are the soaring melodies and arrangements, Frank’s vocals and the fantastic studio sound which captures the Fish On Friday sound down to a tee. Progressive rock and adventurous pop fans will fall hook, line and sinker for Fish On Friday.
01. Godspeed 10:15
02. Just A Nightmare 05:35
03. She Colours The Rainbow 03:42
04. Callin’ Planet Home 05:23
05. Ghost Song 06:14
06. Radio 04:20
07. Sanctuary 08:10
08. Stay 06:50
09. Don’t Love Me To Death 04:30
10. Tick Tock 04:05
11. My Dog 01:17
Line-Up:
William Beckers – Keyboards, Percussion
Frank Van Bogaert – Keyboards, Vocals, Guitars
Marty Townsend – Guitars
Nick Beggs – Bass, Backing Vocals
Marcus Weymaere – Drums, Percussion