CHRIS - City Of Light (2012)

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"City Of Light" is the third outing by Dutch multi-instrumentalist CHRIS (short for Christiaan Bruin), drummer in the Prog band Sky Architect.
Chris uses contemporary recording technology to perform as a one-man-band, plays all the instruments, produce and delivers the vocals all by himself, only helped by guitarist Bas Immerzel who adds guitar solos on a couple of tracks.
"City Of Light" offers six lengthy Neo Prog tracks, all composed by Chris.

Such one-man projects are not unusual on the Prog scene and have been done for many years with various degree of success. It all depends of course on what the musician in question has to offer musically, aesthetically and intellectually.
I never heard Chris two previous efforts, but seems them were influenced by the likes of Kayak, IQ, Klaatu and Yes. Some of these musical references can be clearly heard on this recording, with the intensive use of vintage keyboards and mellotron.
However, "City Of Light" is not your usual Neo Prog album.
Chris is seaching for new musical grounds in the genre, adding to his music some pop arrangements, electronics, drum 'n bass percussions and ambient influences mixed with classic Prog.

For the most part, this a really interesting concept and approach to offer something new.
There's some catchy poppy melodies blended with retro prog passages, classic instrumentation mixed with powerful bass synth attack (reminding Saga), beautiful piano lines that are break down by tribal-electronic drums, and more, unexpected surprises.
The vocals are mostly performed ala first Genesis era, but Chris adds synthesized effects all the time, making them, at least, innovative.


"City Of Light" is a really different beast in the Prog scene. I can't say if you'll like it or not, but it's a challenging recording for sure.
This is sonically really modern, provoking, mixing classic intrumentation with new sounds from other music styles, but executed in such a manner that even the old progsters could enjoy after several listenings.
If you are a Prog fan or not, give this a chance and a whirl, you might be pleasantly surprised by Chris Bruin really interesting, particular take in a genre that needs renovation.
Boring of the same song and dance? "City Of Light" is for you.


1. Colours Come To Life (8:12)
2. Blessings and Goodbyes (5:48)
3. Stars Align (6:30)
4. The Sky Falls Down (9:38)
5. Upside Down (5:31)
6. Nowhere To Go (10:30)

Christiaan Bruin: vocals, all instruments
Bas Immerzeel: guitar


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