Dr. Coenobite - 2025 - Journey of Life

(46:35; Coenobite Productions)

Multi-instrumentalist Coen Vrouwenvelder had planned to take a year off after 2022’s ‘My Habit II’, but one thing led to another and for multiple reasons it has taken until 2025 for his 19th album to be released. Here Coen has undertaken a slightly different approach, so while we still get some unusual time signatures and chord progressions, this is more focussed around guitar, with keyboards being somewhat more simplistic and the guitars kept to the fore. He has never made any secret of his admiration for Andy Latimer, and “Tree of Life” certainly sounds heavily Camel influenced. It makes me wonder what would happen if he and Martin Springett ever undertook any musical investigation together, as their combined influences could well produce interesting results.

Coen is not a great singer, and he recognises that, but there are times when he feels he needs to provide a voice to his stories, and as they are so personal he needs to do that himself. This means that songs such as the title track feel more emotional due to his vocal approach, even if they would not stand up when compared to a true singer. I have been listening to Coen’s albums for longer than I care to admit (over 30 years!), and have probably reviewed more than anyone else, and I honestly think this is his finest yet as the melodies and restraint combined with the layers and space make for a very enjoyable progressive rock album and if you like Camel then this should well be of interest. From starting his musical career as a reviewer for Sym-Info/SI-Magazine and releasing albums through SI Music, Coen has kept going even though he is a true underground artist, so much so that many people who feel they really know the scene have not come across him, so why not change that now and discover his Bandcamp page as this album made me smile. 

Kev Rowland, March 2026

Links:
https://dr-coenobite.bandcamp.com/