LITTLE MAN

The title of this album "Little Man" is in memory of Bruce Soord's son Felix who was born 3 months premature and sadly passed away February 17/06. There are two little feet on the front cover of the album and on the back of the liner notes is a picture of a little hand with the words "For Felix". I actually listened to this all week without investigating what it was about and I had two observations : 1-This is very emotional music. 2-This is one of the best PINEAPPLE THIEF albums I have heard so far. Of course once I found out what these songs were about it left me broken. Musically they still have the RADIOHEAD and PORCUPINE TREE references but the SMASHING PUMPKINS sound is gone. Bruce has said that he didn't listen to PORCUPINE TREE for years because of the constant comparisons.They didn't copy their sound thats for sure. He has since checked them out and was even contacted by Steven Wilson via E-mail after this record was released. Bruce has said his lyrics come from his heart, and lets just say these lyrics came from a broken heart.

"Dead In The Water" has a nice guitar intro and the chorus is fantastic with the vocals and guitar standing out. The song ends with some Post-Rock style guitar melodies. "God Bless The Child" has a great intro and then it kicks in after a minute. Terrific beat to this one, very catchy. It ends with heavy riffs. This could be a single. "Wilting Violet" features fragile vocals, piano and synths. Percussion comes in as the song builds. This really gets intense and the guitar is out of control. Bruce repeats "I wish I gave a better answer" over and over. "Wait" has mournful vocals, keys and marching-like drums. After 2 minutes the song kicks in as strings and keys dominate. "Run A Mile" might be my favourite. It has such a great heavy soundscape that settles down when the vocals come in. It's so uplifting 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 minutes in (reminding me of a song on ANEKDOTEN's "Gravity" record) with some heaviness in between and percussion. Some blistering guitar 5 minutes in with a wave of amazing sound 6 minutes in. Nice.

"Little Man" is so touching with lyrics like "There was no warning sign.The wounds won't heal in time.There's nowhere we will go, without you, you know. In my dreams you have your mother's smile even though we touched for just a little while. All my life you'll have your mother's smile." "November" has some violin in the intro and processed vocals. Normal vocals 2 minutes in and strings. It sounds amazing 5 minutes in with mellotron reminding me again of ANEKDOTEN. "Boxing Day" is a song that Bruce put a smiley face beside with sun glasses on when he listed the song titles before releasing the album. I knew this would be special. It's so beautiful and I feel like such a fool listening to this because it's so emotional. There is strummed acoustic guitar and great vocals. "God Bless The Children" is almost like a reprise of "God Bless The Child". This one is heavier and darker. There is processed vocals and some screaming guitar. "Snowdrops" is where I said in my mind "I can't believe how good these songs are !" Again another beautiful and emotional song with words like "We are just falling snow, so settle down,settle down. And I will slow your fall." "We Love You" is the final and longest song on the album. There are some electronic sounds and spacey synths, while we get some scorching guitar and violin as well. Another amazing tune.

These guys have not put out a record that I have given less than 4 stars, yes I am a big fan of their music. I can put on any of their studio albums and be in my happy place.This one is a little different from past works, but different in a good way.