ANTON ROOLAART – The Ballad of General Jupiter – review – Prog Rock

ANTON ROOLAART, The Ballad of General Jupiter – review
MoonJune / Wandering Willow Records

To the Netherlands for some modern symphonic prog rock.

We used to be arch enemies, the Dutch and the British. But we won, so it’s perfectly acceptable to welcome their music these days. Plus, I’ve sort of got family in Haarlem, so need to be mindful of their safety.

Luckily, for all parties, this is rather good. Now he’s no young fella-me-lad, is Meneer Roolaart. He’s been releasing music for over 20 years and was the founder of the now deceased ProgRockRadio.com. He also really, really likes 70s symphonic prog rock. So if you like your Yes and your Gabriel era Genesis, then you’re not going to be uncomfortable listening to this.

Anton is, largely, a one man band, taking care of vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards and synths but he’s, sensibly, got a real drummer to play drums. As well as a pianist, saxophonist, and a flautist for extra colours. He’s also written all the songs bar the closing ‘Yesterday and Today’. You’ll find that on the debut album from Yes. A surprising choice, it has to be said.

Now, hands up, he’s not the greatest singer in the world, but there is a fragile (tch-boom) quality to his voice which is surprisingly affective. You’re on the end of your seat, wondering if he’s going to get there, or if its going to break. He is, however, a tremendous guitarist. Hugely melodic, serving the songs, rather than being a flash (tch-boom) lad.

It’s actually extremely song led, which is something to be admired in the world of prog. There’s only one, proper epic, and that’s the nine minutes spent with ‘The Cry Of Seven Doves’. That aside we’re in sensible song length territory. And there are some really good ones here. ‘Amsterdam’, ‘Star Child’ and ‘Rain’ had me hitting the repeat button. I don’t have any lyrics but, apparently, this sees him exploring not only personal themes, but also broader reflections on a world grappling with chaos, greed, and injustice. So. life.

It’s on the Bandcamp.