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Pendragon latched on the so-called second wave of prog
in the early'80s, it was Marillion/Pallas/Twelfth Night/IQ
and Pendragon, which started what is now called neo-prog.
The only original member left from what once was called Zeus
Pendragon is the band leader, songwriter, singer and guitarist:
Nick Barrett. But even Clive Nolan (Arena, Caamora) on keyboards
and bass player Peter Gee has been with Nick on all Pendragons
album and Nolan missing only on their first release. We may
also make acquaintance with their new drummer Scott Higham
(from Caamora).***
On their last release - "Believe", their 2005 release
-the band started to look for a new sound, for my part, it
was very fragmented and I thought the sound as a whole was
a disappointment. But now with this new release - "Pure" -
it seems as if we created something that really sounds like
a newborn "Pendragon". A new sound that is much tougher than
anything previously done and that the band has taken a first
step of their neo-prog stamp and now sounds very up to date.One
track "Comatose (The View From The Seashore)", which has a
piano-based opening sounds alot like riffs of "Porcupine Tree".
Unexpected and very good; verses in the first section of the
opening track "Indigo" effectively alternated with a tougher
guitar compliment than Pendragon ever has done before. This
song also contains long-sounding and välspelade that sound
like David Gilmour-scented guitar solo's from Mr. Barrett.
Perhaps the longest the team sometimes, but you should probably
not complain when it is in been 3 years between studio releases.
***
"Indigo" , is the color that surrounded the newborn when
it comes in the world and this is a bit of the cd text theme.
Man is born innocent and with a 100% pure heart, but as you
get older a more corrupted man and his surroundings. The production
feels a little not so overly-produced such as the most their
cd "Not of this World" (which by the way contains the best
vocal performance (Nick Barrett) ever done). The recent acquisition
of drummer (Scott Higham) really deliverer and his singing
puts great mark on the new Pendragon sound with his background
vocals . Clive Nolan's synths mixes have been toned down,
but his job is as always of the highest quality.***
Finally, Nick's vocals. Either hate or love his voice,
I belong to the latter group. I think there are few singers
in this genre that can provide such a genuine feeling and
where it really belongs to the lyrics it come from the heart.***
The limited version released includes a (DVD) with the band
and especially Nick telling the story well. Honestly, I have
not seen it in the end. The standard version will not be released
until early next year, according to the information I received.***
Pendragon operates its own record (Toff
Records) label, this is a cd which you certainly
will buy if you want it. Downloading this is a direct blow
to the band's wallet and future viability.***
Joachim Hansson
Rating 8 / 10
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