The Dame – Losing Sight of What You Want (independent, 2018)
Losing Sight of What You Want is the debut album by The Hague-based Dutch rock band The Dame. The group is inspired by the sexy, elegant women and stylish men of the early 20th century. The group is fronted by vocalist and lyricist Marian van Charante and guitarist and composer Stephen de Ruijter.
Although The Dame describes itself as a progressive rock band, the first four tracks on the albums feature a mix of classic rock, folk-rock and blues influences, showcasing the soulful vocals of Marian van Charante and the notable guitar work of Stephen de Ruijter.
On the final three tracks, we get to enjoy the progressive rock side of the band. The title track “Losing Sight of What You Want” has remarkable, nuanced vocal work and highly satisfying electric guitar and Pink Floydish prog rock arrangements.
The music gets enjoyably eerie and phantasmagoric with “Thy Father’s Bidding,” a fine example of dark progressive rock and a top candidate for the upcoming Halloween prog rock playlist.
The album closes with yet another progressive rock beauty, a suite titled “Conveniently Distant,” in which The Dame once more delivers the progressive rock goods in high fashion with notable vocal, guitar and ensemble work.
The Dame includes Marian van Charante on lead and backing vocals, guitar; Stephen de Ruijter on lead guitar; Michel Krempel on bass; Thijs de Ruijter on keyboards; and Ruben Meibergen on drums.
Losing Sight of What You Want is a stylish debut album by The Dame, a rising act in the European progressive rock scene.