Kingfisher Sky has returned with an EP, Walk the Plank, their sixth studio release on May 21, 2022. The EP is full of rich vocals and grand progressive rock.
Kingfisher Sky was founded in 2005, by Judith Rijnveld and Ivar de Graaf. They released their first album in 2007, Hallway of Dreams. The band is now made up of Judith Rijnveld, on vocals; Ivar de Graaf, on drums; Erik van Ittersum, on keyboards; Edo van der Kolk, on guitar; Maaike Peterse, on violin and cello; and Nick Verschoor, on bass guitar. Guest musicians include: Ruben Margarita, on violin; Lynne Valencia, on spoken word on “Duerme Bien”; and Max de Graaf, on choir for “Walk the Plank”.
The entire EP is great, but the best song on the album, by a long shot, is “Duerme Bien”. “Duerme Bien” is sung in Spanish, with more emotion than I have felt in many songs this year. It has a wonderful, deep acoustic guitar, and striking piano. A wonderful story with elegant piano supporting. The Spanish acoustic guitar rhythms and sounds make you feel like you are right there on the seashore in Spain. A deep and poetic acoustic song that will far outlast the memory of this EP.
The opening and title song, “Walk the Plank” is the second-best song on the album. It opens with soft acoustic guitar, harpsichord, harmonium, mbira and glockenspiel and Judith singing, to beautiful piano. It gets darker and heavier later, but overall, a very memorable song.
“Rites of Passage” has a familiar opening like a Yes or Peter Gabriel song from the 1980s. Judith Rijnveld’s voice is deeper and more introspective than most of the female vocalists releasing music this year. She has that far off ability to hauntingly cast her voice further into the distance. I do hear some Kate Bush comparisons, from some of Kate’s darker songs.
“All That is Left”, is the most upbeat song on the EP. The acoustic guitar and piano is wonderful. Judith sings, “These are just memories now”, in a deep, longing voice.
“Long Gone”, is my least favorite song on the album. Judith sings a sad song. Thankfully the acoustic guitar work is wonderful.
In general, I recommend this EP, if you like the rest of Kingfisher Sky’s discography. If you are new to them, which, I have heard their name echoed in the halls of progressive rock, but this was the first music I actually heard from them. Then, give this time to grow on you. “Duerme Bien” is easy; and if the rest of the album had been as inspired as it, I would have higher praise. Great music, just not my complete cup of tea.
Track List
- Walk the Plank – 2:55
- Rites of Passage – 3:30
- All That is Left – 4:33
- Long Gone – 2:34
- Duerme Bien – 5:03
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