Named after a song by Genesis, the Dutch band For Absent Friends (FAF) has been dealing in melodic prog rock since the late eighties. This with a steadfastness that is increasingly beginning to bear fruit. For example, FAF already played in France with the group Ange and their eighth album was released on the French label Musea Records. Square One also shows that this five piece connects effortlessly
… with the revival of prog rock with bands like Spock's Beard and The Flower Kings. The nine songs often have the length of singles (unusual in this genre) and are often as complex as they are organically put together. Singer Hans van Lint participated for the first time on predecessor The Big Room (2001) and, with his light voice (which sometimes reminds of the young Peter Gabriel), shows that he is now completely at home in FAF. Lyrics from songs like Wonder and Berlin Wall imply social involvement but at the same time are too cryptic to be unraveled. They are serious, just like the music; an atmosphere that is only broken at the end with a chat with Ange singer Christian Décamps. (MR)more
