RAPID EYE MOVEMENT

Riverside are a progressive rock band from Poland who have come to attention in recent years for successfully developing an exciting sound from influences such as Pink Floyd and Porcupine Tree. Their latest album "Rapid Eye Movement" is the last in an ambitious concept trilogy called "Reality Dream".

Unfortunately, whether it's because the concept has run out of steam or for some other reason, this last musical episode is not as successful as the previous two: 2003's "Out of Myself" and 2005's "Second Life Syndrome", both of which are excellent. I would rate this as "very good" only.

Musically, it is not as inventive, either in terms of composition or arrangements, as its predecessors and feels slightly jaded. For instance, whereas "Second Life Syndrome" managed both melody and beauty in its heaviest passages, on "Rapid Eye Movement" the band seem to have opted for heaviness for its own sake and the passages lack sparkle.

An analogy might be to think about watching a good film in black & white and in colour. You'll still enjoy watching it in black & white, but seeing it in colour will bring an extra dimension. Another might be the difference between listening to good music in mono or in stereo. "Rapid Eye Movement" is that good film, that good music.