Han Uil -I Am Progressive Voyages Review PV055

Han Uil – I Am – Progressive Voyages Review PV055

Han Uil - I Am cover

Han Uil is a Dutch Crossover Progressive Rock artist who has quite an extensive Back catalogue this album I Am is his sixth and latest release. Han was also a member od Dutch band Tumble Down For this release its all composed and performed by Han alone apart from some additional vocals from Epida on Forcing Out The Silence.

Musically this is fairly light Prog with a good emphasis on songs, Han put me in mind of Geoff Tate of Queensryche vocally and of Mike Oldfield in his guitar playing as he uses melody both extensively and also effectively and to good effect.

When I first heard this album, I’ll admit to not being very impressed but further listening has most definitely caused me to reconsider that opinion, when all I needed was to give the music sufficient time to filter down into my mind and thus reveal the craftsmanship and skill that is actually contained within its tracks.

As can be heard on Night of Decision ( The albums longest track at 7:39 in length.

Strings of freedom is dedicated to guitarists Han admire, like Mark Knopfler and Neil Young amongst other here he certainly cuts loose in style, In addition his bass work is pretty impressive too.

There is a lottery of commercial appeal to this song it would make a good single, it is very catchy.

The Isle Of Skye is also very impressive wearing its knofplerisms on its sleeve clearly, again this is another memorable song, one I liken how he mixes the sounds to make an interesting sound palette, and in addition the guitar solo is very neat and effectively delivered.

Vegan Love is another great crossover track it has strong 80’s elements in its sound which grab your attention, again this track makes a positive impression on you, in fact further listening reveals this to be a really good album of strong material and songs with great musical sections.

The publicity material that accompanies the guitar states the album explores the theme o of Identity, Nature, Self Expression, Connection and Love, it also comments that the track I Am is inspired by AI.

Other strong track on offer here includes the bluesy stomp of All In Good Time in which guitar and Organ make a formidable pairing that really sounds great, again a strong bass part really adds to the sound, and when the guitar solo occurs it is in tandem with a strong organ line that both taken together really sound fantastic. The guitar outro is also very strong and suits the song well.

Forcing Out The Silence follows and here we get to enjoy Epida’ backing vocals, she is impressive here. Grown follows and has a strong organ sound to the fore which sounds excellent and satisfying it makes a chance not to have guitar at the fore, actually and the synths make an equally impressive showing, sustained Power Chords add to the overall effect making a further strong impression as you listen.

I have to say that this album has much to commend it, it possibly 9ffers a way forward that embraces both AI along with modern technology by offering a modern take on crossover Progressive Rock Music.

I do recommend this album is may be modern but things like strong songs and music will always be in fashion in my book at least.

By the way I have reviewed this in the order that my download came in, the actual album has a different running order and the bonus track of Night Of Decision that is only available on the download or the cd.

I would also suggest that you look at the various videos that exist on YouTube for this album where you can see examples of the artistry at play here.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ubBMW5dABww&si=7uRXW8UnTPRkCRCk

You might like his point of view here. There are other clips on there as well including an album overview well worth a listen or viewing. In all this album has grown considerably in stature in my mind the more I have heard it in recent days I heartily recommend it. I feel that it has much to offer fans if Alan Parsons Project will especially enjoy its sound.

Info here: https://hanuil.bandcamp.com.

Author John Wenlock-Smith