Neo-Prog
Netherlands
Dutch outfit US was founded in 1998. However, their history goes back to 1975. At that point in time Jos Wernars (guitars), Paul van Velzen (drums) and Ernest Wernars (bass) started playing in a cover band together. In time they felt like writing their own material too, and with symphonic rock as the chosen musical territory Dutch outfit Saga was formed, and kept it going until 1983.
Then in 1998 Ernest got a creative tingle while listening to a Genesis record, and when he got in touch with Paul later that year and heard that he still enjoyed playing the desire to create and play music again awakened in full. Jos wasn't that keen on taking up music again initially, but one day in 1999 he showed up at one of Ernest and Paul's music sessions, bringing with him a bass and a 12-string guitar. From that point onwards, every Friday evening was scheduled for music - playing, composing and recording. A demo, named The Wizzard of Us, was recorded on a pretty basic digital 8-track system. When the band also started visiting a more proper recording studio from time to time, it didn't take long for the trio to have a desire to record their own material in a more professional manner.
Joined by Peter de Frankrijker (guitars) this lead to the recording and release of US debut album A Sorrow In Our Hearts in 2002.
Next up was to create a recording studio of their own; and with some time, sweat and lots of effort Paul's garage was turned into a studio, with a 24 track harddisk recorders and accompanying bells, whistles and a few gizmos too.
With a new member in place as well, Stephan Christiaans (vocals), everything was set for the creation of US sophomore effort, issued in 2003 as Eamon's Day. The CD was well received, and sold a pleasant amount of copies too. Towards the tail end of the year US were invited to be the opening act of Dutch symphonic rock festival Progfarm, and although a rewarding experience it was decided that the band would have their main focus on recording rather than touring.
In February 2004 new recording sessions started, and the bands third effort The Ghost Of Human Kindness was the result, released later the same year. On this album their sound was markedly heavier in expression than previously; and to this day this is the heaviest sounding effort by the band.
But just after this US split up. Paul moved, Peter took up studying and Stephan became to immersed in running his shop, leaving just Jos and Ernest. But rather than recruiting new members, the dynamic duo decided to continue the band themselves. Handling all instruments but drums, and with Marijke Wernars complementing them in the vocal department, the creation of US fourth album started. Joris ten Eussens was asked to handle the drums for the album, and in 2006 The Young and Restless was issued.
The album was well received, and as it seemed to work pretty well to create albums in this manner US continued in this manner with the same people contributing; and in quick succesion US issued Reflections in 2007 and Climbing Mount Improbable in 2008, and scheduled for a summer 2009 release: Everything Changes.
ALBUMS:
2009 - EVERYTHING CHANGES
- Jos Wernars / guitars, bass, percussion, vocals
- Ernest Wernars / synthesizers, vocals
- Marijke Wernars / vocals
- Joris ten Eussens / drums
1. The Rules Of The Game (16:41)
2. After This (0:56)
3. The Golden Zone (9:36)
4. After That (1:06)
5. Everything Changes (8:49)
6. After All (1:39)
7. When The Deep Looks back (16:38)
Total Time 55:25
Look!!
