Alquin - The Marks Sessions

robertoracion

Review by Robert Oracion

The Marks Sessions by Alquin: A Raw Prog Rock Gem That Kicks You in the Teeth (and You Like It) Let’s cut the crap—The Marks Sessions isn’t just another prog rock album. Released in 2013 by Dutch legends Alquin on Pseudonym Records, this sucker feels like a time machine to the golden age of prog while still packing enough grit and weirdness to slap you into the present. It’s raw, unpolished, and kinda messy—but damn if it doesn’t hit hard where it counts. Now, let me break down why two tracks stuck with me like gum under my boot. First up: “Marc’s Occasional Showers.” This one’s got layers upon layers of sound that feel like they’re fighting for attention, but somehow it all works. The demo versions floating around the album give you a peek behind the curtain, showing how much thought went into crafting this beast. One moment it’s all mellow vibes, lulling you into false security, then BAM—it smacks you with these jazzy keyboard runs and wonky time signatures that make your brain itch. It’s exhausting, exhilarating, and exactly what prog should be: a chaotic masterpiece. Then there’s “Soft Royce,” which might as well be renamed “Earworm Royce” because holy hell, it burrows into your skull and refuses to leave. There are multiple versions scattered across the album, each offering something slightly different, but the final take is where it shines brightest. The grooves are so smooth they could melt asphalt, and the interplay between the instruments? Chef’s kiss. But don’t get too comfy—the song keeps shifting gears without warning, throwing curveballs at every turn. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, it flips the script again. Love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it. What makes The Marks Sessions stand out is its sheer audacity. Most bands would polish their demos until they sparkle, but not Alquin. They throw everything—including the kitchen sink—at you, leaving rough edges intact. And honestly? That’s what makes it real. It’s not perfect, but perfection is boring anyway. This album reminds you that music doesn’t have to be shiny to grab hold of your soul; sometimes, it needs dirt under its nails to truly connect. So here’s the kicker: listening to this record feels less like enjoying an album and more like eavesdropping on a band losing their minds in the studio—and loving every second of it. If you’re looking for background noise, keep walking. But if you want something that punches you in the gut and leaves you gasping for air, The Marks Sessions has your name written all over it. Now go crank it loud enough to piss off your neighbors.

Download Alquin - The Marks Sessions
Artist: Alquin
Album: The Marks Sessions
Rating: 4.4

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: alquin-the-marks-sessions.zip
  • MP3 size: 102 mb
  • FLAC size: 953.7 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
You Always Can Change - Demo 23:01
Hard Royce2:44
Soft Royce - Demo 27:05
Mr. Barnum's Junior's Magnificent And Fabulous City10:05
I Wish I Could - Demo 23:13
Overture / The Least You Could Do Is Send Me Some Flowers9:04
I Wish I Could - Demo 111:52
Soft Royce - Demo 19:12
Oriental Journey - Demo 23:28
Catherine's Wig2:38
Soft Royce9:48
Marc's Occasional Showers - Demo 18:47
I Wish I Could10:02
Marc's Occasional Showers - Demo 24:04
You Always Can Change - Demo 13:08
Oriental Journey - Demo 14:45
Marc's Occasional Showers9:17

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Catalog Numbers

CDP-1109

Labels

Pseudonym

Listen online

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Formats

  • 2 × CD
  • Album
  • Remastered
  • Limited Edition

Companies

RoleCompany
Remastered AtFineTune
Recorded AtSoundpush Studios

Notes

  • CD 1, Tracks 1-11 previously unreleased sessions 1972.
  • The sessions recorded at the GTB & Soundpush Studios, July - December 1972.
  • CD 2, Tracks 1-6 previously unreleased live concert 1972.
  • The live concert recorded at the Circustheater, Scheveningen, July 2nd, 1972.
  • ℗ & © 2013 Pseudonym Records
  • Remastered in the 24-bit domain from the original master tapes at FineTune, Soest, The Netherlands.

Barcodes

  • Barcode: 8 712488 980911
  • Rights Society: MCPS
  • Matrix / Runout (CD1): Sony DADC A0102055255-0102 15 A00
  • Mastering SID Code (CD1): IFPI L555
  • Mould SID Code (CD1): IFPI 94K6
  • Matrix / Runout (CD2): Sony DADC A0102055257-0202 18 A00
  • Mastering SID Code (CD2): IFPI L558
  • Mould SID Code (CD2): IFPI 94K6

About Alquin

Dutch prog rock band from Delft, founded at the end of 1971 from the ashes of . Released a handful of trendsetting albums: Marks (1972), The Mountain Queen (1973), Nobody Can Wait Forever (1975), Best Kept Secret (1976) and Live On Tour (1976). In 1977, the year they were voted Best Dutch Band by the readers of leading music paper OOR, they split up. Reunited since 1995. In 2003 the live dvd One More Night (accompanied by a double cd) was released. Two more studio albums followed: Blue Planet (2005) and Sailors And Sinners (2009).

Members

  • Bart Terlaak
  • Rob Ten Bokum
  • Job Tarenskeen
  • Ferdinand Bakker
  • Michel van Dijk
  • Dick Franssen
  • Paul Weststrate
  • Ronald Ottenhoff
  • Hein Mars
  • Jan Visser

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a cool fact: The album *The Marks Sessions* by Alquin is like a time capsule of creativity. Released in 2013, it showcases the Dutch prog rock band's knack for experimentation. What’s unique is how they included multiple demo versions of tracks like "You Always Can Change" and "Marc's Occasional Showers." It’s almost like peeking into their musical workshop, hearing ideas evolve. Fans get to experience the raw journey behind the polished final versions—a rare treat for any music lover.