01	A Passion Condenser						20:08
	02	Scars On The Ego						08:54
	03	Beyond The Bizzare						14:24

Finch - Beyond Expression

Released: 1976/1994
Label: Pseudonym
Cat. No.: CDP 1015DD
Total Time: 43:20


Reviewed by: John "Bo Bo" Bollenberg, April 2001
Finch is, without any doubt, one of the leading symphonic bands that Holland has ever produced. Sure there was Focus, Kayak, Earth & Fire, but Finch was the only one able to keep you on the edge of your seat with purely instrumental music!

Beyond Expression was their second album, originally released in 1976 and only containing three tracks. The outstanding track has to be the epic 20-minute long "A Passion Condensed." Obviously there are a lot of atmospheres to be found in this one track. The intro is very similar to what Solution (another great Dutch band) was up to on its first two albums. Then there's a smashing Hammond-organ-solo by Cleem Determeier before the song arrives in a mellow sounding part which resem-bles Camel. Then it's full steam ahead for a wild guitar solo from Joop Van Nimwegen who freaks out in a Jan Akkerman-way prior to settling for a modest interval, which leads us to the grand finale full of guitar, strings (Solina) and ARP synth.

The slightly honky tonk intro of "Scars On The Ego" makes way for a dreamy interlude between guitar, flute-sound on ARP, and some original bass lines by Peter Vink. When drummer Beer Klaasse sets the pace, it's back to some great undergroun-d rock from Joop. Towards the end of the song the rhythm accelerates, bringing the sound into the Deep Purple arena. The vintage sound of the used synths illustrates the fact that these gems were recorded almost twenty five years ago! Part of "Beyond The Bizarre" is rather experimental, even cosmic, with Cleem using all sorts of sounds before attacking again by means of his grand piano. The final highlight comes courtesy of Joop, again backed by some nice mellotron. Pity the drum sound is so weak. If only the original recording had offered more power then we could surely speak of one of the world's most important symphonic releases. As it stands, it's still nice to hear it all over again although one has to be honest in saying that it sounds rather dated. If only Finch could get back together again though!

More about Beyond Expression:

Track Listing: A Passion Condensed (20:05) / Scars On The Ego (8:51) / Beyond The Bizarre (14:24)

Musicians:
Cleem Determeijer - keyboards
Beer Klaasse - drums
Joop Van Nimwegen - guitars
Peter Vink - bass

Discography

Glory Of The Inner Force (1975)
Beyond Expression (1975)
Galleons Of Passion (1977)
Stage '76 / The Making Of : Galleons Of Passion (1999)


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(p) 1976 Negram B.V.
(c) 1994 Pseudonym Records Holland




Finch - Beyond Expression

Member: Prog Owl
The Musicians:

Cleem Determeijer-Keyboards
Beer Klaasse-Drums, Percussion
Joop Van Nimwegen-Guitars
Peter Vink-Bass

It seems the Netherlands, for so long just quietly produced some of the finest quality progressive music on the planet (Earth and Fire, Trace, Focus, Ekseption and others) without a lot of hoopla or hype.

Finch, a thunderous all-instrumental outfit certainly did their share to add to that fine reputation. Beyond Expression is a very fitting title for this carefully crafted outing, as Finch strives to express that which cannot be put into words, but rather notes and sounds. Seemingly combining the best elements of Yes, Focus and Camel without being the slightest bit derivative, Finch lets forth 3 beautifully written, constantly changing instrumental pieces. Featuring Joop Van Nimwegen's searing guitar pyrotechnics and Cleem Determeijer's tasty, thick analog keyboards, the listener is drawn in with thunderous majestic passages and just flat-out screaming yet melodic guitar fireworks, while a busy, insistent rhythm section to hold it all together. I can't pick a favorite cut here, because all 3 are equally strong, though certainly, the 20 minute "A Passion Condensed" could be looked at as a definitive Finch track.

Nary a moment of dullness can be found here, so strap yourself in for one ferocious instrumental ride!! You won't regret it!