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Progwereld
Dick van der Heijde

"Much of the album has remained the same, such as the brilliant artwork by Douwe Fledderus to start with. Once again, the album is in a colourful media book with images that radiate the atmosphere of a film poster."

"Where “Mask” is a concept album, we see “Relations” as a thematic work and that brings with it a different flow. The eight songs on the new album are therefore much more varied. This is partly because not all but only two compositions were written by Lammers himself, there are also three by Koopman, two by Huigen and one by Smit."

"The album ends with the magnificent "Omega" and of course this closing track is called that, just look at the title of the opener. After a number of refreshing twists, the finale starts halfway through. Marching rhythms take you to a conclusion with deep bass pedals and heavenly guitar playing by Van der Valk, it is a magnificent finale to a magnificent CD."

"Veel op het album is hetzelfde gebleven, zoals om te beginnen het briljante artwork van Douwe Fledderus. Wederom zit het album in een kleurrijk mediaboek met afbeeldingen die de sfeer uitstralen van een filmposter."

"Daar waar “Mask” een conceptalbum is, zien we “Relations” als een thematisch werkstuk en dat brengt een andere flow met zich mee. De acht nummers van het nieuwe album zijn onderling dan ook veel gevarieerder. Dit komt mede doordat niet alle maar slechts twee composities geschreven zijn door Lammers zelf, ook zijn er drie stuks van Koopman, twee van Huigen en eentje van Smit."

"Het album eindigt met het schitterende "Omega" en natuurlijk heet deze afsluiter zo, kijk maar naar de titel van de opener. Na een aantal verfrissende wendingen zet halverwege de finale al in. Marcherende ritmes nemen je mee naar een slot met diepe baspedalen en hemels gitaarspel van Van der Valk, het is een magnifieke finale van een magnifieke cd."

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progVisions
Douwe Fledderus

"After barely two years, the Dutch progressive rock project The Foundation has released a follow-up to their debut album, "Mask". The new album is titled "Relations". Because it's not entirely a concept album, The Foundation founder Ron Lammers calls it a thematic album. An album about all kinds of relationships between us humans and all kinds of partners and environments. To be able to connect with another, you first have to love yourself. But this doesn't stop there; what is the relationship between us and the world, nature, and our creator? The positive reactions and reviews of their debut album, "Mask", not only inspired all the members to create more music together, but also led to this second album being created by almost the same group of musicians. Jan Munnik could now fully concentrate on the mixing and mastering of the album. This is because more members contributed compositions and more members are responsible for all the keyboard parts. The only new name is Masaki Shimakawa ("Makkie"), who is responsible for the violin parts in the song "BackBone". One of two compositions by guitarist Rinie Huigen. Multi-instrumentalist Gijs Koopman contributed three pieces, singer Mark Smit the only French-language song "Ses Lunettes Noires", and keyboardist Ron Lammers contributed two. This resulted in an even more varied and consistent sound. The Foundation project sounds like a well-oiled band on "Relations". Yours truly (Douwe Fledderus, Blissy Design) was once again commissioned to provide the compositions with suitable artwork. Besides the music, the artwork also had to evolve to a higher level. I hope you think this was achieved. I won't comment on that myself, of course, but the music turned out well. Who said a second album is always difficult to make? In addition to digital releases, the album, like "Mask", has been released physically as a 28-page media-book and double vinyl."

"For fans of their debut album, "Mask", the follow-up, "Relations", is a must-have. "Relations" is a well-balanced and fantastic album with a homogeneous feel."

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iO-Pages
Tim Meewezen

Award: Vette Krent !

"Influences from, for example, Genesis (after Gabriel) and Camel (and of course our own Knight Area) are present, which makes associations with the symphonic rock of the previous century obvious."

"The mix and mastering by Jan Munnik again provide excellent sound quality, and Douwe Fledderus has once again provided impressive artwork"

"Invloeden van, bijvooebeeld, Genesis (na Gabriel) en Camel (en vanzelfsprekend ook ons eigen Knight Area) zijn aanwezig waardoor associaties met de symfonische rock uit de vorige eeuw voor de hand liggen"

"De mix en mastering door Jan Munnik zorgen weer voor een uitstekende geluidskwaliteit, en Douwe Fledderus heeft wederom voor indrukkend artwork gezorgd"

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The Progressive Aspect (TPA)
David Edwards
TPA

"Musically, there is a diversity of styles, but in general it is grounded in classic-era symphonic and melodic prog, with the influence of Yes, Camel, King Crimson and Genesis, mingling with the Alan Parsons Project, and taking in elements of US bands like Saga, Styx and Kansas. Yet the project’s overall signature sound is distinctly their own, with echoes of more contemporary prog rock and then AOR."

"Relations is another strong, thematic album of symphonic and melodic prog from the Dutch progressive rock project, The Foundation.  Musically diverse, lavish and cinematic at times, and yet delicate and emotionally deep where necessary – delivering a warming message of love within the lyrics that can resonate with you, regardless of your spiritual beliefs. Mixed and mastered expertly by Jan Munnik, with lovely artwork by Douwe Fledderus on the CD, this is accessible, but sumptuous progressive rock to immerse yourself within, and definitely worth exploring further on Bandcamp."

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Betreutes Proggen
 Horst-Werner Riedel

"For all fans of the debut album "Mask," "Relations" should also be a hit. For those who haven't had any contact with the band yet, the latest release, with its melodic and relaxing tracks, is recommended."

"Another argument in favor of the album is the elaborate design. Like its predecessor, a very high-quality media book has been created. Ron's friend Douwe Fledderus is once again responsible for the successful design and colorful illustrations of the 28-page artwork, which ultimately further enhances the release. However, for those who don't want to miss out on the fine artwork, the digital version is of course available. Another plus is that the growing vinyl community has not been forgotten, with limited edition collectible copies available via Bandcamp."

"Für alle Freunde des Debütalbums "Mask" sollte auch "Relations" für viel Zustimmung sorgen. Denjenigen, die bislang noch keinerlei Berührungspunkte mit der Band hatten, sei das aktuelle Werk mit seinen melodischen und entspannt anzuhörenden Titeln empfohlen."

"Ein weiteres Argument für das Album ist die aufwendige Gestaltung. Wie auch der Vorgänger ist erneut ein qualitativ sehr hochwertiges Mediabook entstanden. Für das gelungene Design und die farbenfrohen Illustrationen des 28-seitigen Kunstwerks ist erneut Rons Freund Douwe Fledderus verantwortlich, was am Ende die Veröffentlichung zusätzlich aufwertet. Wer allerdings auf das feine Artwork verzichten möchte, dem steht natürlich die digitale Variante zur Verfügung. Ein weiteres Plus ist, dass vor allem die wachsende Vinyl-Gemeinde nicht vergessen wurde, so sind in limitierter Auflage sammelwürdige Exemplare über Bandcamp erhältlich."

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Big Bang Magazine
Jean-Guillaume LANUQUE

"The arrangements provide an undeniable plus, such as the flute on "Alpha", which takes us back to the heyday of symphonic prog in the 70s - Genesis comes to mind first and foremost."

"The longer compositions nevertheless feature extensive instrumental sequences, with solos being rare, and the emphasis placed above all on creating engaging atmospheres."

"This second album from The Foundation won't surprise regulars, but it stands out through its unwavering expertise and constant inspiration, another must-have for neo-prog."

"Les arrangements apportent un plus indéniable, comme la flûte sur « Alpha », qui nous ramène à l'âge d'or du prog symphonique des années 70 – Genesis me vient en tête."

"Les compositions plus longues présentent néanmoins de longues séquences instrumentales, les solos étant rares, et l'accent étant mis avant tout sur la création d'atmosphères entraînantes."

"Ce deuxième album de The Foundation ne surprendra pas les habitués, mais il se distingue par son expertise indéfectible et son inspiration constante, un autre incontournable du néo-prog."

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DPRP
Martin Burns

"The overall feel is of those 70s classic albums by Genesis. Take the opening track Alpha for example. It starts with flute and Mellotron and a super synth melody circa Nursery Crime and Selling England By The Pound."

"The album moves through different moods. A folk melody opens the instrumental Beauty Of Nature before it turns heavily symphonic. Backbone follows a similar pattern but starts with Hackett like classical acoustic guitar. Ses Lunettes Noires is a ballad, written and sung in confident French by vocalist Mark Smit."

'However, and apologies to the rest of the musicians involved, the star for me of this particular show is the bass playing and Taurus pedal work of Gijs Koopman (former colleague of Rinie Huigen in the band Cliffhanger). He seems to be channelling Mike Rutherford circa The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway and Chris Squire at the same time. He never showboats and is in full sync with the melodies and the artful drumming of Jan Grijpstra."

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MLWZ (English)
Kev Rowland

"Before I get to talking about the band or the music, I must call out the amount of effort which has gone into the booklet which accompanies the CD. It is 28 pages long, full of glorious photos as well as the lyrics and who played what on each track, and is a piece of art all in itself. Anyway, back to The Foundation, which keyboard player Ron Lammers brought back to life in 2020. The original trio from the Nineties is long gone, and again Ron has surrounded himself with many well-known Dutch progressive musicians, most of whom were involved with 2023’s ‘Mask’. It is interesting to note that while there is very much a group sound, there are multiple writers and lyricists within the band and each song is credited accordingly, yet the move between the songs is seamless."

"For the most part this is a light and refreshing release which progheads would do well to discover."

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Background Magazine
Henri Strik

"For those who own the debut album, this new album is a wonderful sequel. It is the next step that this musical project has taken and of which they can once again be very proud. So again, a deep bow to Ron Lammers and his fellow musicians for creating an album which has no weak songs and is as a whole of a very high musical level that many prog lovers will enjoy. Especially for people who enjoy the music of Genesis, Camel, Yes, Knight Area and retro prog rockers in general!"

"For me, this is progressive rock as it should sound and therefore once again a big contender to end up in my 2025 annual list! "

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Music in Belgium
Philippe Thirionet

"Clear vocals and fluid orchestration (the flute accentuating the fluidity) are accompanied by layers of seventies-tinged keyboards, the latter obviously referencing the great Genesis. The melodic aspect lulls us into a sort of progressive pop, resulting in music that is very accessible, even to a wide audience, despite the progressive architecture of the pieces. At times, we are also reminded of Pendragon or Arena, during the guitar solos, which are also fluid and airy."

"Also noteworthy are some lovely acoustic guitar passages, such as this first single, which offers a melodic orchestration with neoclassical elements, and a build-up to a beautiful progressive rock, once again reminiscent of Knight Area."

"Un chant clair et une orchestration fluide (la flûte accentuant la fluidité), s’accompagnent de nappes de claviers à la coloration seventies, ces dernières faisant référence au grand Genesis évidemment. L’aspect mélodique nous berce dans une sorte de pop-progressif, découlant sur une musique très accessible, large public même, malgré l’architecture progressive des morceaux. L’on pensera aussi à certains moments à Pendragon ou Arena, lors des soli de guitare, eux-aussi fluides et aériens."

"Notons aussi de jolis passages à la guitare acoustique, comme pour ce premier extrait, qui offre une orchestration mélodique, avec des éléments néo-classiques, et une montée en puissance vers un beau rock progressif, rappelant à nouveau Knight Area."

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Musikreviews
Thoralf Koß

"First of all, THE FOUNDATION deserves credit for approaching their work with such conscientiousness and a penchant for great design, just as they did on their 2023 debut, "Mask." This time, too, the "Relations" CD is housed in a hardcover digibook magnificently designed by Douwe Fledderus. 20 pages long, featuring all the lyrics and dreamy, colorful images that seem to transport us to a mysterious fairytale land. It should be clear that not everything is above board there."

"Full of neo-progressive, more than clearly GENESIS-like musical landscapes, the Dutch prog band continues their tradition with their second album. It quickly becomes clear: creatively, musically, and thematically, the Dutch band remains the same, even if the cheese has a few holes. But that, as we all know, is what makes them taste good."

"Symphonic art rock is also on the table. Harmonious and delicious. The forerunners are the aforementioned GENESIS (of the transitional phase – especially the 1976 album "Wind & Wuthering") and IQ, or THE FOUNDATION's compatriots KNIGHT AREA."

"Als erstes muss THE FOUNDATION schonmal dafür Hochachtung gezollt werden, dass sie es wie bereits auf ihrem 2023er-Debüt "Mask" sehr gewissenhaft und mit einem Hang zur großartigen Gestaltung angehen. Auch dieses Mal umhüllt den Silberling von "Relations" ein großartig von Douwe Fledderus gestaltetes Hardcover-Digibook. 20 Seiten stark mit allen Texten und traumhaften, farbenfrohen Bildern, die uns in ein geheimnisvolles Märchenland zu entführen scheinen. Dass dort nicht alles mit rechten Dingen zugeht, sollte klar sein."

"Voller neoprogressiver, mehr als deutlich GENESIS-ähnliche Musiklandschaften aufbauend, setzt die holländischen Prog-Band traditionell ihr zweites Album fort. Schnell ist klar: gestalterisch wie musikalisch und thematisch bleibt es bei den Holländern beim Alten, auch wenn der Käse ein paar Löcher hat. Doch das macht bekanntlich ja erst seinen guten Geschmack aus."

"Symphonischer Art Rock kommt also zusätzlich auf den Tisch. Harmonisch und wohlschmeckend. Die Vorköche sind besagte GENESIS (der Übergangsphase – besonders das 1976er-Album „Wind & Wuthering“) und IQ oder THE FOUNDATIONs Landsleute KNIGHT AREA."

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Saiten Kult
Michael Haifl

"With their second album, Relations, the Dutch band THE FOUNDATION once again belongs to the category of bands that shine with handcrafted retro charm, yet don't remain stuck in the dust of the past, especially the 1970s, but come across as modern and uncluttered."

"Relations isn't a revolutionary album; it's a mature, carefully composed work with a quiet conviction. It's no surprise that influences from GENESIS, YES, CAMEL, IONA, and KNIGHT AREA can be heard, but THE FOUNDATION have found their own melodic voice."

"Die niederländische Formation THE FOUNDATION gehört auch mit ihrem zweiten Album Relations zur Sorte Bands, die mit handgemachtem Retro-Charme glänzen, dabei aber nicht im Staub der Vergangenheit, insbesondere der Siebzigerjahre stecken bleiben, sondern modern und aufgeräumt daherkommen."

"Relations ist kein revolutionäres Album, es ist ein reifes, sorgfältig komponiertes Werk mit einer ruhigen Überzeugungskraft. Dass dabei Einflüsse von GENESIS, YES, CAMEL, IONA und KNIGHT AREA anklingen, ist keine Überraschung, doch THE FOUNDATION haben ihre eigene, melodische Stimme gefunden."

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Progressive Voyages
John Wenlock Smith

"The final track, "Omega", tells the story of creation, while this song expresses and connects the foundations of the Christian faith. It's not preachy, like Neal Morse can be, but rather a sign that these things matter to these people. The album is symphonic prog, so such thoughts aren't unusual. Besides, if the music is as good as this, why wouldn't they express such convictions? I really love this album. I think there's a lot to enjoy, especially Rubberband, which is exceptional. I highly recommend this album to symphonic prog fans like me."

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Lazland
Steve Lazenby

"So, does Relations deliver what I wanted? An unequivocal yes. It stays the right side of originality. It wears its influences and yearning for the classic period on its sleeve, but it delivers it in a modern package, a theme which we can relate to strongly, musically extremely strong, and, in truth, impossible to not like, and on that basis, I have no hesitation in recommending it to you."

"The artwork requires a strong mention – it is stunning, so a huge shoutout to Douwe Fledderus of Blissy Design."

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Erik's Progtracks
Erik Fraanje

"Ron and the men have once again succeeded in delivering a very nice album that fully lives up to the high expectations after Mask. How well we can handle the genre that I love so much in this small country. If you liked that album then this is a mandatory purchase, if you don't know Mask yet then I would quickly listen and if you can't appreciate it(is that possible?) then I'm afraid that Relations won't change your mind because the style is quite consistent."

"As said, the cd release is now set for later this week or next week so I can't say to much about the artwork but it is sure it will be just as spectacular as it was with Mask."

"Year list material, without a doubt."

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Profil
Philippe André

""Backbone" opens with a superb acoustic guitar before the electric guitar takes over, accompanied by Ron Lammers' brilliant synthesizers, Mark Smit's hushed vocals, and, as always, a sumptuous flute. A piece of timeless beauty, one of the album's highlights (10/10), the only one featuring Masaki Shimakawa's violin. A track to explore for the next album?

“The album cover, reminiscent of the previous one, was created by Douwe FLEDDERUS, a close friend of Ron's, and perfectly represents the title of the album, "Relations", a couple seen from behind on a (milky?) railway track. In short, pure joy... equal to the music presented on this album. A potential "number one" for 2025."

""Backbone" débute par une superbe guitare acoustique avant que l'électrique ne prenne la suite accompagnée des synthétiseurs brillants de Ron LAMMERS, le chant feutré de Mark SMIT et toujours une flute somptueuse, une pièce d'une beauté hors du temps, l'un des sommets du disque (10/10), la seule qui voit l'intervention du violon de Massaidi SHIMAKAWA, une piste à creuser pour le prochain disque ?"

"La pochette de l'album, réminiscence de celle du précédent est une réalisation de Douwe FLEDDERUS, grand ami de Ron, totalement représentative du titre du disque "Relations", un couple de dos sur une voie ferrée (lactée ?), que du bonheur en somme...égal à la musique présentée sur cette œuvre. Un "number one" potentiel pour cette année 2025."

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Writer In Japan
Glenn Williams

"Ron has not been as involved so much in the writing this time. In fact, for Relations, he has written just two pieces, the rest being handed over to bassist Gijs Koopman and guitarist Rinie Huigen - both from Cliffhanger - along with Knight Area singer, Mark Smit; all three of them were on the Mask. Given that Ron is one hell of a songwriter himself and it’s his project, he didn’t need to do that but he obviously sees the overall canvas and not just the main feature. It was a smart move. Second albums can be tricky. They more often than not satisfy fans but don’t move forward very much from the debut. There are exceptions of course (ELP’s Tarkus springs to mind) and Relations is one." 

“Be prepared for some powerful and melodic tracks with a seventies touch and hopeful message” says the info sheet. I couldn’t have put it better myself."

" ロンは今回、曲作りにはあまり関わっていない。実際、『Relations』では、彼が書いたのは2曲だけで、残りはベーシストのガイス・クープマンとギタリストのリニエ・ヒューゲン(2人ともクリフハンガー出身)、そしてナイト・エリアのシンガー、マーク・シュミットに委ねられた。この3人は『Mask』にも参加している。ロンがソングライターとして大活躍していることと、彼のプロジェクトであることを考えれば、そんなことをする必要はなかったのだが、彼は明らかに、メイン・フィーチャーだけでなく、全体のキャンバスを見ているのだ。それは賢明な行動だった。セカンドアルバムというのは厄介なものだ。ファンを満足させることはあっても、デビューからあまり前進していないことの方が多い。もちろん例外もあるし(ELPの『Tarkus』が思い浮かぶ)、『Relations』もその一つだ。"

" 「70年代テイストと希望に満ちたメッセージを持つ、パワフルでメロディアスな楽曲にご期待ください」とインフォメーション・シートに書かれている。これ以上の表現はないだろう。"

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Prog Et Plus...
Professor Mark

"While it remains rooted in the Dutch keyboardist's artistic vision, Relations is by no means a solo effort. On the contrary, this album is part of a deeply collective dynamic. Ron, a true conductor, surrounds himself with the seasoned musicians who had already contributed to the success of Mask, forming a close-knit and inspired team."

"With Relations, The Foundation delivers a coherent, generous and brilliantly performed work that draws as much from Yes, Camel and Genesis as it does from the more modern tones of IQ and Pendragon. An album that is both technical and sincere, spiritual without ever being heavy, in which any fan of symphonic and melodic progressive rock will find plenty to marvel at."

"Si celui-ci reste ancré dans la vision artistique du claviériste néerlandais, Relations n’a rien d’un effort solitaire. Bien au contraire, cet album s’inscrit dans une dynamique profondément collective. Ron, véritable chef d’orchestre, s’entoure des musiciens chevronnés qui avaient déjà contribué à la réussite de Mask, formant une équipe soudée et inspirée."

"Avec Relations, The Foundation livre une œuvre cohérente, généreuse et brillamment interprétée, qui puise autant chez Yes, Camel ou Genesis que dans les teintes plus modernes d’IQ ou Pendragon. Un album à la fois technique et sincère, spirituel sans jamais être pesant, dans lequel tout amateur de rock progressif symphonique et mélodique trouvera largement matière à s’émerveiller."

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Progressive Rock Central
Professor Mark

"The album opens with a powerful story and presence within the song, “Alpha”. It is an almost 7 and a half minute long song, that sets the stage and the table for anyone wondering about the magnitude of this band’s progressive rock chops. Wind sounds, soft flute, and then a sound swell of welcoming keyboards, drums and guitars. Very Tony Banks’ and Phil Collins era Genesis. Mark Smit’s first vocals remind me so much of a younger Nick Barrett, from Pendragon. In fact, the music sounds a little like their earlier works. Mark sings, “Once I met a traveler in a small village inn. Sitting near the fire, and I sat down next to him. His eyes held the wisdom that time could not fade”. This band creates wonderful stories, like “One for the Vine”, and “Squonk”, just like the Genesis band I grew up with. The guitar work that follows throughout, reminds me of some of Steve Hackett’s early albums like “Voyage of the Acolyte”, “Please Don’t Touch”, or "Spectral Mornings”. A wonderful opener that provides a fantastic welcome for this new band."

"This is an amazing album that I am so thankful for the opportunity to explore and review. The music is absolutely top notch and a return to the seminal progressive rock sound that I remember from my childhood. In case you, like me, had thought no one else was still making this level of progressive rock any more, I have learned, that just is not true. It is still being made by The Foundation, and can be heard on their latest album, “Relations”. An album about the importance of relationships that fill our lives with satisfaction, growth, energy, knowledge, awareness and hopefully kindness."

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House of Prog / Prog Roque
Thomas Szirmay

"Unabashedly grounded in the symphonic /neo-prog style, Ron guides his impressive keyboard skills throughout the compositions, initiating the mood perfectly on the opener “Alpha”, where all the participants get to involve themselves without any hesitation. Richly blanketed in massive swirls of mellotron, the influence clearly in the Tony Banks school of dynamics, Smit gets to handle the story with his usual mastery, flute adornments not far away, the guitars weaving a discreet sonic fabric that sets up the fabulous instrumental break, initiated by Koopman’s pugnacious bass delivery. Straight out of the Wind and Wuthering style, the smooth as silk symphonics are delightfully alluring. We are in familiar territory, and we like it!"

"Definitely and enjoyable escapade that will reward with many more spins, a third album would be most welcome."

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MLWZ (Polish)
Tomasz Dudkowski

""Relations" is 55 minutes of music divided between 8 tracks. Right from the opening composition "Alpha" we know what to expect from this release. It is progressive rock with symphonic sounds of keyboard instruments, strong bass lines supported by bass pedals, wonderful guitar solos (in this recording Rinie Huigen and Jens van der Valk work wonderfully together). There is also a place here for sounds extracted from the flute by Judith van der Valk. The whole is united by Mark Smit's characteristic voice."

"„Relations” to 55 minut muzyki podzielonej pomiędzy 8 ścieżek. Już od otwierającej całość kompozycji „Alpha” wiemy czego możemy spodziewać się po tym wydawnictwie. To rock progresywny z symfonicznymi brzmieniami instrumentów klawiszowych, mocnymi liniami basu wspomaganego pedałami basowymi, wspaniałymi solówkami gitarowymi (w tym nagraniu wspaniale współpracują ze sobą Rinie Huigen i Jens van der Valk). Znalazło się tu także miejsce dla dźwięków wydobywanych z fletu przez Judith van der Valk. Całość spaja swoim charakterystycznym głosem Mark Smit."

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Stone Prog
Rolf Schneider

",,Too many cooks spoil the broth", as the German saying goes, but that clearly doesn't apply to this Dutch production, which, despite the diverse composers, a) sounds like a unified whole and b) represents a worthy successor to The Foundations' debut album."

"In summary, "Relations" delivers nearly an hour of high-quality sound for the ears."

",,Viele Köche verderben den Brei“, sagt das deutsche Sprichwort, das aber offenkundig nicht für diese niederländische Produktion gilt, die trotz der verschiedenen Komponisten a) wie aus einem Guss klingt und b) einen würdigen Nachfolger für den Erstling der Foundation darstellt."

"Im Fazit liefert ,,Relations“ eine knappe Stunde lang hochwertigen Wohlklang für die Ohren."

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Empire Magazine
Renald Mienert

"Even though Ron Lammers is responsible for the concept, singer Mark Smit wrote most of the lyrics, and guitarist Rinie Huigen and bassist Gijs Koopman also share the songwriting duties with Mark Smit and Ron Lammers. The album sounds like a seamless whole, rather than a compositional patchwork. Douwe Fledderus' artwork also deserves special mention; again very elaborate and in the same style as Mask, there's just as much to see as to hear. If you liked the debut, you can buy it without hesitation; if you like emotional symphonic prog without a lot of fiddling, Relations is also the right choice."

"Auch wenn Ron Lammers für das Konzept verantwortlich ist, den Großteil der Texte hat Sänger Mark Smit geschrieben, und auch das Songwriting teilen sich Gitarrist Rinie Huigen und Bassist Gijs Koopman mit Mark Smit und Ron Lammers. Wobei das Album wie aus einem Guss klingt und nicht wie ein kompositorischer Flickenteppich. Auch das Artwork von Douwe Fledderus muss hervorgehoben werden, wieder sehr aufwändig und im selben Stil wie Mask gibt es genauso viel zu sehen wie zu hören. Wem das Debüt gefiel, der kann bedenkenlos zuschlagen, wer emotionalen symphonischen Prog ohne viel Gefrickel mag, ist bei Relations ebenfalls richtig."

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Music Is Our Oxygen

"The new album by "The Foundation - Relations" is an outright winner as far as I'm concerned! While their previous and first album "Mask" was already good, their new second album stands out even more. They have grown, and not by much."

"This second album has definitely become a full album, with 7 great songs and 1 instrumental track. It has become an album that won't bore the listener for a minute!"

"Het nieuwe album van "The Foundation - Relations" is wat mij betreft een regelrechte aanrader! Was het vorige en eerste album "Mask" al goed, hun nieuwe tweede album steekt hier nog weer een stuk bovenuit. Zij zijn gegroeid, en dat niet zo'n klein beetje ook."

"Dit tweede album is beslist een volwaardig album geworden, met 7 mooie songs en 1 instrumentaal nummer. Het is een album geworden dat de luisteraar geen minuut zal vervelen!"

Distributors & Web Stores

If you don't have a Bandcamp account, you can of course order your own copy from one of our distributors or your favourite web store.  Or simply get in touch via our contact form.

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In. Music Store

Laser CD

Wayside Music

Suburban

MaRaCash

WLR

Kroese

Syn-Phonic

Popeye

Sounds Venlo

Sounds Tilburg

Cosmos Music