BEYOND THE BLUE is a project from the Netherlands by session guitarist & producer Le Bolderdijk [Bolland & Bolland, Robbie Valentine, Anouk, etc] and male vocalist (despite the name) Emile Den Tex [Face To Face]. This is a ‘studio’ band, that’s clear from the first note: perfect musicianship and immaculate crisp production are the key on this album. But also the good songs.
The style of BEYOND THE BLUE is elegant Lite AOR + european adult rock & pop + a spice of westcoast. First track “Atlantic Summer” has a TOTO / Chicago vibe all over it, with some horns and floating synths. “More Than Ever Before” is a jewel of a song, a captivating midtempo AOR featuring a great guitar work, subtle & precise. Emile Den Tex has a very smooth voice with a very nice color. “Here On Our Own” and “My Town” flies to the L.A. scene, both are very good westcoast tracks with a strong groove. The title track is a very well crafted and personal song, with clean guitars and whispering vocals. With a track like “Home”, you have a great disc. This moving and catchy Lite AOR is one of the highlights of this album. “Intoxicated” is another good one. Slow and climatic, the keyboard / guitar ambiance fills this piece with class and distinction. Very Good. “Bleeding Heart” has some westcoast scent, while “Another World” is an adult pop with a contagious rhythm. Last track “Romancing The Fire” is an instrumental where Bolderdijk displays his color palette and exquisite playing. Excellent.
BEYOND THE BLUE is an unknown album / project full of class and good moments. A very pleasant listen.
01. Atlantic Summer
02. More Than Ever Before
03. Here On Our Own
04. Beyond The Blue
05. Home
06. My Town
07. Intoxicated
08. Only The River Knows
09. Bleeding Heart
10. Another World
11. Romancing The Fire
Le Bolderdijk : Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Producer
Emile Den Tex : Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Producer
Henri Van Bergen : Drums, Percussion
Ake Danielson : Keyboards
Ton Op ‘t Hof : Electronic Drums
Eddy Conard : Percussion
Bolland & Bolland, Okkie Huysdens : Backing Vocals
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