Welcome back to the Concert Closet fellow progheads! Been away far too long, miss being submerged in all things prog; the music, the banter, the artistry--but most of all the music. I have been going through so much new music trying to decide on where to start the search for all things prog in 2021...and then I read about a band that Rick Wakeman gave props too, so I began to pipe Pure Reason Revolution through my headphones. If "The Master" likes them then I can certainly be open to an afternoon of listening pleasure. Take it from Rick--this band does not disappoint. Please allow me to elaborate as the journey across the prog garden 2021 begins...
"The Dark Third" was actually the 2006 debut from Pure Reason Revolution; it has been remastered and released on Inside Out Records recently and I thought since I am re-starting the search for all things prog, this would be the perfect starting point...you know; a new start for an old classic...anyway, let's get to it...
The first song to grace the Concert Closet is "Apprentice of the Universe." The interstellar lead-in is a nice touch; the guitars continuing the "float through space" mood and tempo expand your mind, opening up new tributaries of sound and imagination. Vocals penetrate softly like water droplets rolling off rose petals after a summer shower...this piece surrounds you and flows right through your being.
Next up is "Voices in Winter/In the Realms of the Divine" and once again the Concert Closet is enveloped in a deep-space darkness that is all at once soothing and pulse raising. The mood picks up from a dark The Pineapple Thief brooding to a sleek Alan Parsons Project orchestral outburst; frighteningly smooth but oh so alluring...
Liner Notes...Pure Reason Revolution hails from the UK, formed originally in 2003 by Chloe Alper and Jon Courtney while the two were attending the University of Westminster. Their sound resonates within the astral section of the prog garden with Chloe on vocals, bass, and keyboards, and Jon also on vocals and keyboards while handling guitar duties. Other members of the band through time have included Jon's brother Andrew, Greg Jong, Jim Dobson, Paul Glover, and Jamie Willcox.
With six previous albums, EP's, and live recordings on their resume, Pure Reason Revolution has established solid footing in the prog garden. With a sound reminiscent of Alcantara and Lonely Robot, music flows through the headphones like the pulsing mass in your old lava lamp.
Moving over to disc two I drop the laser on "Golden Clothes" and feel myself being swept away. There is a Gentle Giant quality to this band; as much in the music as in the style of play and the mood they emit. Pure Reason Revolution are almost ornate with their sound; there is so much going on all around you and trying to take it all in on first listen can be a lesson in futility. No worries though as leaving the disc on repeat allows the music to soothe while you relax. This song is almost two distinct pieces of music fused into one, careening gently from one mood to another.
Last cut to flow the headphones tonight is "The Exact Color." This song is simply beautiful. The canvas displays soft hues that run together seamlessly, blue to gray to green to yellow to...a flow that is so steady yet so serene. Even as the tempo "picks up" it remains steady like the heartbeat of young love. Pure Reason Revolution use the piano in much the way a poet uses prose; to penetrate the walls surrounding the mind and the heart and bring the music to your entire being. There are top notes of The Pineapple Thief running through the entire album, and I also detect a commonality with Atlas Volt.
Learn more about Pure Reason Revolution and purchase the music at PRRinsideoutmusic. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter @PRR_official. Just take the time to immerse yourself and let the music flow you...and all is right with the world...
The cut below is "The Bright Ambassadors of Morning." Once again the smooth piano leads the journey as Pure Reason Revolution travels across the space and time continuum. The prog garden is always expanding, both with new acreage and existing areas pushing the boundaries. I would love to hear a collaboration of Pure Reason Revolution with Brian Eno and David Byrne; perhaps this song is a precursor of what could be...
So fellow progheads, I hope you enjoyed this re-entry in to the prog garden. Pure Reason Revolution harkens back to the some of the more classic members of the genre while creating a style and mood all their own. Much the way King Crimson, Yes, and Pink Floyd blazed an earlier trail for the likes of Gentle Giant, Wishbone Ash, and Porcupine Tree, a new trail is being carved out by the bands of today; Pure Reason Revolution, Scarlet INside, and Seconds Before Landing to name but a few.
So enjoy all the prog garden has to offer and spend a little extra time with Pure Reason Revolution this week...more effective than a vaccination and a lot less stressful...until next time...
