Perfect Storm - Stairs (2024) [Hi-Res]

Where one moment it’s like a soft breeze in your ear, another moment it’s like a devastating tornado testing your eardrums. Perfect Storm is an extremely dynamic and adventurous Dutch rock band founded in Groningen, influenced by sounds from all wind directions. With smashing guitar riffs, driving drums, tight bass lines, velvet voices, and enchanting piano parts, this project brings the musical landscape an irresistible whirlwind from high and low-pressure areas.

The boundless, melodic, and at times virtuoso rock music of Perfect Storm is mainly the result of the vision of guitarist and songwriter Gert-Jan Schurer. Drawing from his own experiences and a broad range of sounds, he has created a unique blend that incorporates influences from rock acts like Porcupine Tree/Steven Wilson, jazz legends like Pat Metheny, film composers such as Hans Zimmer, and electronic pioneers in the vein of Aphex Twin.

Perfect Storm prefers melody to musical showmanship but does not shy away from compelling instrumental passages or impressive solos. Catchy melodies and a striking energetic attitude make their dynamic music accessible above average. The dualistic vocals between male and female (à la modern Anathema) create a lot of atmosphere, a key element within this group.

Gert-Jan has already earned his stripes in and around Groningen as a guitarist in various settings. The other members of Perfect Storm are also anything but newcomers in the scene. Lead singer Adel Saflou from Syria is active in the underground favorite Ambrotype. Keyboardist Jan Munnik, drummer Wieger Dijkstra, bassist David Klompmakers, and lyricist/singer Hiske Oosterwijk are also active in various acts. Their varied backgrounds provide a joint sound that is difficult to place in a box but is undoubtedly the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane.

After various home recordings and sessions in several recording studios, the impressive debut album "No Air" was released in 2021. Vlerk, known for his illustrations for the Vera pop venue in Groningen, is responsible for the artwork, indicating once again that Perfect Storm goes purely for quality. Building on the success of their debut, Perfect Storm is set to release their highly anticipated second album, "Stairs," in 2024. This new album promises to elevate their sound to new heights, continuing their tradition of dynamic and adventurous rock music.