I Spy – While The War Began (2023)
I Spy, a Dutch band known for their unique style and inspired by progressive rock legends like Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd, and Jethro Tull, will be releasing a new double album titled While The War Began later this month. The album has been a long time in the making, with the band working on it for the past 7 years. It reflects their original voice, influenced by the past but firmly rooted in the present.
While The War Began consists of four sides: “Unforgotten” and “Fearless” on sides 1 and 2, which explore emotional and spiritual themes like birth, life, love, and death, and “War” and “Odyssey” on sides 3 and 4, which have a grand and worldly character inspired by the epic tales of Homer. The compositions are a fusion of narratives, creating a rhapsodic and experimental experience.
The band plays precious and beautiful symphonic progressive rock, with exquisitely crafted instrumental work and gorgeous arrangements, deeply inspired by the finest classic bands of the 1970s. Furthermore, the vocals are equally charming and engaging.
I Spy includes Peter Duinkerken, Harry Poelman, Erik Westerhof, and Aernout Steegstra. They have collaborated with various musicians for this album, including Eric Vloeimans and former I Spy vocalist Inez Timmer. The recording took place at Studio Spitsbergen and other locations, potentially incorporating the majestic sound of the historic Schnitger organ in the Martini Church in Groningen.
While The War Began is both epic and intimate, energetic and subtle, with a dreamlike and poetic atmosphere. It balances between looking back and looking forward, offering a lasting document that withstands the test of time. The album is set to be released on September 21, 2023, under the record label Top Hole Records and will be available in various formats, including 2LP in a gatefold sleeve, 2CD in a digisleeve, and on major digital platforms.
Musicians: Joost van Soest on drums; Erik Westerhof on guitars; Harry Poelman on bass; Peter Duinkerken on keyboards; and Aernout Steegstra on vocals.
Guest musicians: Eric Vloeimans & Inez Timmer; Inez Timmer on lead vocals (8, 10); Eric Vloeimans on trumpet (2,3,5,7,8,9, 14, 15, 17, 19); Tseard Verbeek ontrumpet (2,3), flügelhorn, trombone (14) Sybren Faber on horn (1,2,3,4, 12, 14, 15); Paul van Batenburg on tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone (7); Nynke Jaarsma on cor anglais (12, 19); Jeanette Kappelhof onflute, piccolo flute (12); Reinold Broersma on violin, viola (12, 15); Judith Duinkerken on violin (15); Derk Stegeman on cello (12, 15); Nelleke Diepeveen oncello (12); Roelien van Wageningen on mezzo-soprano (18); Mariken van Spronsen on backing vocals (10,20); and Happy Voice Girls Choir conducted by Mariken van Spronsen (11, 17).
Previous albums by I Spy include The Crystal Fire released in 1988 and Kite released in 1991.