In an era where most things are fleeting and today’s heroes are forgotten tomorrow, I Spy is releasing a new double album, While The War Began.

The idea for this album was hatched at a time when nobody foresaw the onslaught of digital media. Needless to say, it has been brooded upon for a long time. After their first two albums, I Spy dreamed of a double vinyl record. To make these dreams a reality, work had to be done, and lots of it!
For the better part of the past 7 years, I Spy chipped away at this monumental task. Inspired by prog-rock royalty, the likes of Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull, I Spy found an original voice, tutored by the past, eager for what lies ahead, but strongly rooted in the present. Quirky and autobiographical through text and music, I Spy doesn’t just follow the mainstream pack.
Sides 1 and 2, Unforgotten and Fearless, touch on emotional subjects, lyrical and almost spiritual, with birth, life, love, and death as building blocks. Sides 3 and 4, War and Odyssey, have a grand and worldly character, with elements of the epic tales of Homer. All-in-all, a narrative bundle of compositions that have been fused into a rhapsody with hints of opera. Exciting, energetic, surprising, melodic, and experimental.
Since the early days, I Spy consisted of Peter Duinkerken, Harry Poelman, Erik Westerhof and Aernout Steegstra. In the new millennium, they were joined by drummer Joost van Soest, a relative youngster among these seasoned veterans of prog.
For this new album, I Spy worked with various musicians, not in the least Eric Vloeimans, who lent his incredible talent to various tracks. Also, Inez Timmer, former I Spy vocalist, appears in a cameo on the album.
Recording was done at Studio Spitsbergen, among other illustrious places such as the Saint Piter Rectory in Grou. Rumor has it that even the sound of the historic Schnitger organ in the Martini Church in Groningen can be heard on the album.
While The War Began is grand and intimate, loud and subtle, colorful as well as monochrome. It is dreamlike and poetic, lovely yet gruesome, looking back and looking forward all at once. A document of lasting value that withstands the test of time.
So listen closely,
It’s time to Spy!

TRACKLIST

Unforgotten

01. Unforgotten
02.In Sight Of The Sun
03.Edge Of The World
04.Scars
05.Intensive Care

Fearless

06.The Blue Lab
07.Superstitious
08.Nightingale
09.Fearless
10.Dream Child
11.This

War

12.Robotnik
13.While The War Began
14.Wiper
15.Terminal One

Odyssey

16.Cyclops
17.Circe’s Meadow
18.Heaven’s Gate
19.Penelope
20.The End So Far

Release date: 21 September 2023
Record label: Top Hole Records
Distribution: Dutch Music Works/Sonic Rendezvous
Formats: 2LP in gatefold sleeve incl 2x 30x30cm inserts / 2CD in 3panel digisleeve incl 24 page booklet / all major digital platforms

Discography:
The Crystal Fire [1988]
Kite [1991]

THE NEW MUSIC VIDEO Superstitious