Pattern - Seeking Animals

Welcome back fellow progheads!  It feels like forever since the lights in the Concert Closet have been turned on!  The summer was a whirlwind and as much as I hate to see the sun start setting earlier, it is great to be back.  In between seeing a few fantastic live shows I was fortunate enough to be immersed in a plethora of great new prog; the fall harvest should be quite plentiful....

Sorting through dozens of new releases, new discoveries of old releases, new favorites, old favorites, and some music that simply fit like that favorite old T-shirt, the next leg of the search for all things prog starts with a listening session with Pattern-Seeking Animals, a new group comprised of old talent...as in time-tested and ready for a new adventure.

Pattern-Seeking Animals was originally intended to be an outlet for Spock's Beard songwriter and producer John Boegehold.  Once he put together enough material to qualify for an album, he set about assembling a band to bring his efforts to life.  Enter Jimmy Keegan, Dave Meros, and Ted Leonard.  Despite a (perhaps) unavoidable slight tilt toward Spock's Beard, Pattern-Seeking Animals has developed and nurtured a sound all their own. Their eponymous debut was released in July, so I have had quite a bit of time to become familiar with it.

"Orphans of the Universe" is an excellent jump off point; the piano intro is elegant and
tantalizing--for about 15 seconds.  Drums and guitars then join the fracas in what is best described as a carnival ride through the prog garden...bright colors stream across a canvas filled with excitement.  Ted's vocals are a cooling summer rain as they become entwined in the music like silk threads in a flowing scarf.  There are obvious top notes of Spock's Beard, but listening deeper I pick up aromatics of The Inner Road and The Mute Gods.

Playing farther down the album is a rather interesting piece called "We Write the Ghost Stories."  John's keyboards take center stage on this cut, leading the listener on a journey that is wondrous in its depth and muted extravagance.  This song comes at you directly--almost demanding your undivided attention.  While the lyrics are speaking to you, attempting to get your attention, Jimmy Keegan's drums grab you by the collar and slap you around a bit...just enough to let you know that this would be a good time to pay attention.

Liner Notes...Pattern-Seeking Animals is creator John Boegehold on keyboards and synthesizers, accompanied by Ted Leonard on vocals and guitars, Dave Meros on bass, and Jimmy Keegan on drums and vocals.  I have reviewed Jimmy with so many bands I've lost count...and he brings an exclusive sound to every band he performs with.  This is a band with no pretense about who they are; seasoned professionals who have collectively logged many a mile traveling the prog garden with countless bands.  Everyone contributes and the spotlight easily splits off in four directions illuminating every member of the group.

Finally I give you "These Are My Things."  This song travels a bit of a darker path yet manages to shine bright.  The soft opening sets you up for a boisterous finish.  Pattern-Seeking Animals as a whole are greater than the sum of their parts--and the parts are impressive.  The pleasure in this song is how seamlessly one instrument melts into the next; the music flows as smoothly as warm caramel rolling down the sides of a slice of cheesecake...


Pattern-Seeking Animals have managed to avoid being caught in a sound warp; yes they have musings of Spock's Beard, but there is way too much talent pressed into vinyl here for these guys to allow themselves to simply be another "cover band" with original material.  No; the top notes are there--undeniably--but top notes are to be expected.  Listen deeper and you will discover  Pattern-Seeking Animals sets the bar higher and achieves the ultimate goal; a sound and experience unique unto themselves.  Apparently John's musical alter-ego has a lot to say...

To purchase this album and other treasures in the Inside Out catalog go to the band's website
at Pattern-Seeking Animals or Inside Out Music.  You can also connect on PSA Facebook and Twitter @psanimals1.  In these days of easy access to technology I urge you to support the artists...

To entice you just a bit further I bring you the clip below; "No Burden Left to Carry."  As the song opens you can sense the urge to burst through the headphones.  Once again the top notes have  a familiar air about them, but fused with a touch of Asia and Gekko Projekt, Pattern-Seeking Animals continue to make their own mark in the prog garden.


                      


Thank you for coming back fellow progheads.  It has certainly been an interesting journey these past six years; I've learned quite a bit about music and about myself.  The prog garden continues to offer up bumper crop after bumper crop and I am content to reap every harvest.

Listening to Pattern-Seeking Animals was not just a form of entertainment, but an education of sorts as well.  We all know artists that have been members of several bands--sometimes on-again-off-again, but with Pattern-Seeking Animals it's different.  Here they celebrate their past experiences and use all they have gained through them to bring forth something new.  For me, it makes strolling through the prog garden the pleasure it is.  One song can take you in so many directions and open so many doors...the journey seems to last forever.

With that said, time to take the search for all things prog onward...until next time...