“What the critics say….” – Reviews of “Jumping The Milestone”.

“(…) Tevens is er een nieuwe gitarist binnen de gelederen en dat is geen kleintje. Hans Spitzen is zijn naam, gitaarleraar z’n beroep. Ik heb me laten vertellen dat hij jaren geleden in een bak smaakwater is gevallen en de gevolgen daarvan nog steeds ondervindt. Zijn gevoelige spel is helemaal doordrenkt met invloeden van Andy Latimer, Steve Hackett en David Gilmour en niet alleen elektrisch”. (…) Het gitaarspel van Hans Spitzen is er zo aanstekelijk dat ik direct om was. Wat een sound. In het nummer gebeurt een heleboel. Een kort spookachtig geluidsfragment neemt je mee in dit caleidoscopische nummer dat qua stijl steeds maar teruggrijpt op het oude Kayak. Het wemelt er van de orgelakkoorden, opmerkelijk is die passage met dat stokoude transistor-orgeltje. Andere verbazingwekkende momenten zijn de partijen op de blokfluit, de sprankelende akoestische gitaar, de solospot van de basgitaar, de terugval in dynamiek en uiteraard elke snaarbeweging van dhr. Spitzen. Fear Of Failure is ook weer zo onnoemelijk fraai. Het enige dat je maar hoeft te doen is je een voorstelling maken van hoe IQ zou klinken met een zangeres. (…) (Dick van der Heijde)

“(…) In their music, the group presents symphonic, melodic, rock sounds, reminiscent of such groups as Marillion, Pendragon, Arena and Camel, all with a characteristic style that makes them unique. Jumping The Milestone is another album in the already impressive output of this band (…)”. (Mariusz Danielak)

“(…) Flamborough Head perpetuates the tradition of prog bands combining power, technicality and harmonic richness in the tradition of groups like Renaissance , the singing of Margriet Boomsma being no stranger to this resemblance. A true chiseler of melodies, the group plays with delicacy compositions all more attractive than the others, and this from the first title ‘The Garden Shed ‘ a symphonic prog to the core, followed by my favorite track ‘ Tomorrow Is Another Day ‘ a retro prog with a medieval feel. The other compositions are also of a good level, in particular the last title, the eponymous ‘ Jumping The Milestone ‘, a long piece of more than 12 minutes which serves as a support for multiple inspired instrumental interventions, leading us into a series of themes that are often suave and ethereal. With this album licked to perfection Flamborough Head signs a superbly refreshing return”. (Gabriel)

(…) Well, during my first listening session I got more and more excited about this new Flamborough Head album, for sure it has been worth the long wait! The band delivers six tastefully arranged and elaborate compositions, embellished with wonderful work on guitar, keyboards and flute, fueled by a dynamic rhythm-section, and topped with the beautiful and distinctive female vocals by Margriet Boomsma. (…) What an excellent and inspired new album by Dutch masters Flamborough Head! (Erik Neuteboom)

“A very welcome return to the scene from Dutch outfit, Flamborough Head. This is a special album. (…) This intelligent album is one which demands several listens to fully appreciate. You need time to hear just how gorgeous it is, what a treat it is, especially, as I indicated above, when one is really in need of such aural balm. (…) The denouement is quite simply wonderful and brings to mind those seventies classic albums ending with a flourish worthy of that era. This is a very special album and is worthy of your support.”(Steve Lazenby)

“(…) In summary, the Dutch of ‘Flamborough Head’ recall to our good memory to release us a magnificent album which confirms all the talent of this formation which continues to distill us a subtle and melodious progressive which goes perfectly with the end of the poem ‘Spleen and Ideal’ by ‘Charles Beaudelaire’: “There, all is order and beauty, Luxury, calm and voluptuousness.”. To enjoy quietly the helmet on the ears…”. (Jacques Becker)

(…) “The Garden Shed” introduces the album in a very brilliant way with the solo flute of Margriet BOOMSMA, the acoustic guitar of Hans SPITZEN and the evanescent keyboards of Edo SPANNINGA, a little over ten minutes of excellent neo progressive to Celtic connotation in places, more camelian from mid-piece when the flute and the electric six-string this time lead us to heights of indescribable beauty (10/10). What a start!!! Much better than a simple garden shed…:) (Philippe André)

It’s rather nice to welcome Flamborough Head back with this new album (…), and it’s an impressive collection of songs, and very much in the readily recognisable style of Flamborough Head. (…) The folky elements, the grand prog symphonic sweep, together with the occasional jazzy flourish combine to make this album a very enjoyable listen. Those familiar with their earlier work will know what to expect, and they will not be disappointed. If you’ve not heard them before, then Jumping the Milestone would be a good place to start. (Graham Thomas)

Het mooie van Flamborough Head vind ik het totaal ontbreken van enige bewijsdrang en dat zie ik als groot compliment. De band doet waar het goed in is en behoudt daarbij de (Friese) nuchterheid. Daarbij ligt er in elk album een enorme dosis zorgvuldigheid besloten. De productie is goed verzorgd, evenals het artwork. Waar het gezelschap het meest in uitblinkt is de enorme muzikaliteit. Alle muzikanten zijn belachelijk goed en spelen samen in dienst van de compositie. Er is alle ruimte voor solo’s en instrumentale passages, maar het loopt nergens uit op egotripperij. (Maarten Goossensen)

This is a most interesting and tasteful album of deep emotion and content, extremely well presented and performed by an excellent and talented band. I can only but sing its praises to you and recommend that you listen to it, if you do then you won’t regret it. (John Wenlock-Smith)

Dick van der Heijde: Prog en Rock

Mariusz Danielak: Art Rock Poland

Gabriel: Progcritique

Erik Neuteboom: Tvrdo Progressive Rock Show

Steve Lazenby: Lazland

Jacques Becker: Chronicles

Philippe André: Profil

Graham Thomas: The Progressive Aspect

Maarten Goossensen: Progwereld

John Bollenberg: iO pages #182 december 2022

Carsten Busch: Background Magazine

Warren Mayocchi: Femme Metal Website