Pure Reason Revolution - The Dark Third
I haven't followed prog metal/rock since the '90s, and only recently reconnected with that world through the German label InsideOut. Some of its stuff is obviously prog (baroque songs and agile chops), while other "prog" now seems more like sophisticated pop music.Thus, I'm still figuring out that landscape. But in quality and quantity, InsideOut almost never disappoints (OSI, Devin Townsend, and Steve Hackett are but a few luminaries on its roster). Only some albums are metallic enough for me to review, but nearly every one has interesting songwriting and impeccable musicianship
Despite the Stryper-esque artwork, I've been giving Pure Reason Revolution heavy rotation. This UK band feels intimate, which I usually don't get from prog. Technical fireworks usually makes prog feel unreal and distant to me. But while The Dark Third has perfect production and performances, it feels warm and velvety, with lush male/female vocals and clean tones that recall Pink Floyd.
This is a stunningly elegant and masterful debut; you can find it at InsideOut's US and German webstores.
Labels: clee, prog metal, uk
3 Comments:
Nice! This is why I like your blog...always willing to throw people a curveball. But yeah, I've been digging these guys as well. They did a tour in Europe with Mew, which I would have LOVED to have seen.
I'm a big fan of Mew - that would have been an *awesome* tour to see. I'd be curious to hear them pull off those vocal harmonies live.
Very interesting. This is a lot different than most of the other stuff on Inside Out that I've heard. Some of the vocal melodies are shockingly memorable. I'd consider buying this but I'd like to hear a touch more first...
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