For Absent Friends is a Dutch sympho band that has been together for quite some time by now. I`m not familiar with their older work, but I understand that they used to be progressive. This is definitely not the case with the new release ‘The Big Room’. I’m not really sure what to do with this record. On the one hand the songs are easy to listen to, which is of course a positive thing. But on the other hand, they are TOO easy to listen which makes it boring at times. ‘We Can Not…’ is the opening track that leans strongly on just a simple bassline with the drums and vocals. It misses any form of spirit and this is mainly responsible to the lack of guitars. The guitar played by Edwin Roes is pushed on the background most of the time on their fourth album and this gives it an ‘empty’ feeling. I do like his solo on the title track though. ‘The Big Room’ reminds me of Marillion, but without the power and magic.

Most of the songs can be considered as (piano based) ballads. An important role during this, is vocalist Hans van Lint. His voice fits the music and is radio-friendly. This can be said about the music in general. The pop/rock songs can easily get airplay. While they sing in English, it reminds me of some of the typical Dutch songs that are popular over here. Maybe they’re aiming for commercial success? I suggest listening to it yourself if you’re interested at the cd-store. You will know right away what kind of music it is so it won’t be difficult to judge for yourself if you like this music. I personally think they miss ‘balls’ (partly due to songtitles such as ‘Silly Love Song’ and ‘Don’t Hurt Me’), even though I do like some of the songs. Not the cheesy ones though…