Obscure neo
prog band from early '80's, who came from Holland and were formed in mid
'70's around Henny van Mourik - bass and vocals. They released only one
album in 1983 named very suggestive - The first goodbye. While the
progressive rock music was something of a lost battle in early '80 some
bands manage to survive and other just begin to take form. One of the
bands from second category who has a quite successful album in that
period was Cirkel (circle in English). The music is not very
sophisticated like on other neo prog bands from that period, Marillion
come in mind, their first album is much more rockyer, but The first
goodbye has plenty of good moments, is clear that this band was
promising Dutch out fit. The pop sound dominated the album but is so
well melted with neo prog elements. The album is not very complex, has
some fine moments, specially, keyboards sound very interesting, it gives
a special '80's feel to it, but very ok in the end, Henny van Mourik
has a good voice for this kind of music, nothing over the top, but
enjoyable all the way. All the pieces stands as good, not a weak moment
here, More than a match on the portative . In 1984 they disbanded. It’s a
good album, nothing really impressive or groundbreaking like other
albums from that period in neo prog zone, but well performed. Cirkel is
one of the bands from early neo prog movement both from Holland and in
Europe in general. Similarity with Zaragon from Denmark or Dragonfly
from Switzerland. Line-up / Musicians Hans den Hartog/guitar,keyboards,vocals Hennie van Mourik/vocals,bass Ad Struijk/drums,percussion Chris van Hoogdalem/guitar Discography The First Goodbye 1983
1.The prisoner 2.More than a match 3.Four hands 4.A song of love and hate 5.Autumn awakes 6.The first goodbye 7.Sea 8.A morning in France 9.Wishing 10.Elfin
