Origins (Synergy Records, 2014)
British rock band Landmarq is approaching its 25th anniversary year and is celebrating it with a two-CD anthology titled Origins. The music on the album is characterized by two different vocalists and changes in musical direction. Disc 1 includes material featuring vocalist Tracy Hitchings (1998-present). She has a good voice, but her style and delivery is that of a pop singer. Disc 1 is for those who enjoy melodic rock and pop with plenty of keyboards. If you’re looking for the progressive rock stuff, skip this album and move on to Disc 2.
The pieces in Disc 2 include straight ahead progressive rock. The recordings are from the 1991-1995 period, which is when Damian Wilson was the vocalist. He was much better suited for progressive rock. Stylistically, the band was deeply influenced by IQ and similar second generation progressive bands from the UK. You will find epic moments and memorable vocal and instrumental sections where keyboards play a leading role.
Landmarq’s first three albums, Solitary Witness (1992), Infinity Parade (1993) and The Vision Pit (1995), are the best works the band made. Worth checking out if you into what some call neoprog.
The CD booklet with fantasy art features interesting details about the band’s discography and its various lineups.
Buy Origins