WEAREWHOWEARE

Pallas released a neo-prog debut in 1984 and released some noted albums within the sub-genre after the turn of the century. This self-released studio album of 2014 didn't get a lot of buzz, maybe because of disappointment around its very heavy predecessor 'XXV' of 2011. On that album the band also introduced the singer Pauk Mackie, who replaced the much appreciated Alan Reed. 'We Are Who We Are' shows Pallas returning to the style of 'The Dreams of Man' with an up-dated sound. You'll hear that distinct neo-prog sound with emotive, theatrical vocals, the electronic synths and loops, the echoey hardrock lead-guitars and some thick Rickenbacker bass. Without introducing a single innovation when it comes to the song-writing, the band does further the genre here by great craftsmanship when it comes to arranging and producing. Seldom have I heard a collection of eight songs that have gotten such a detailed treatment. Pallas has a gift for making simple melodic ideas turn out sophisticated. Moreover, I don't know of any band in this genre that gets a fat symphonic sound like Pallas. This album can get almost too exciting. That refrain of 'Shadow of the Sun' almost makes me jump up. Like on 'The Cross & The Crucible' and 'Dreams of Man' the band knows how to get that distinct neo-prog mystique just right. Niall Mathewson had always been an amazing guitarist, but on this album he has some experimental solo's that really stand out. Paul Mackie is a great theatrical and subtle singer for the band and he makes every song shine here. The way his personality leads on a quiet song like 'In Cold Blood' is simply amazing. A band like Arena would wish they had found such a great replacement after Rob Sowden left. This album is a rare example of perfectly written, executed and recorded neo-prog and if you are like you are - a fan of of this genre - you are probably missing out (looking at the number of reviews here).