After a modest start with the album Naakt Onder De Hemel (1995), Bløf slowly developed into the most popular (Dutch-speaking) band in the country after the breakthrough single Liefs Uit Londen (1998). Omarm is the sixth full-fledged album by the Zeeuwen and the second with drummer Norman Bonink, the replacement for Chris Götte who died in 2001. Whereas Blauwe Ruis (2002) was still largely dominated
… by this tragic loss, the theme of Omarm is the transience of relationships. Lyrically, Peter Slager knows how to get to the heart of the matter, without falling into too far-fetched imagery. Musically, Bløf hardly develops, unless it has to be the head voice of singer Pascal Jacobsen, who makes the title track a topper in the band's oeuvre. Providing fat Hammond sounds with In Het Volle Licht is another highlight. As usual, heavy mid-tempo rock songs are alternated with a single piano ballad (Barcelona). Not surprisingly, but again the familiar quality that we are used to from the sympathetic Zeelanders. (MS)more
