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German band RPWL have come a long way since their beginnings
as a Pink Floyd covers band. Their last album, "World Through
My Eyes" was very favourably received and the same should
be bestowed on this latest album. Though considered a prog
rock group and even have a song about it here, they have a
very contemporary rock sound, which wouldn't be out of place
alongside the likes of Radiohead or Coldplay. Their prog rock
leanings are in the dynamics of the musical interludes which
permeates their lengthier tracks. Just listen to the excellent
opener "Silenced" where the guitars and synths expertly weave
in and out of the mix. It's the longer tracks, like "Where
Can I Go? " and "Stranger" where RPWL sound most impressive,
allowing the band room to expand. Saying that, beautiful songs
like "Breathe In, Breath Out" show that they are very good
at writing succinct and melodically strong material.
The Pink Floyd tag will probably never leave the band.
This is dealt with in the catchy "This Is Not A Prog Song",
where scathing reviews of the band are sang verbatim. But
they have merged the Floydian tendencies nicely into their
own style, never mind what the reviewers might say. Take the
Bob Dylan cover "Masters Of War". I have never heard the original,
but this is given the widescreen Floyd treatment to dramatic
effect, but never sounds too obvious. Just listen to those
fantastic guitar chords! In fact this track is a personal
highlight.
I was surprisingly impressed by this album. The production
too is superbly clear and dynamic. I enjoyed "World Through
My Eyes" but found some of the eastern stylings detracted
a bit from the songwriting. No such problems here. The band
have produced a rock solid effort. There is enough variation
throughout to keep both the prog fraternity and those seeking
good modern rock more than happy!
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