ISLAND NOISES

German band POOR GENETIC MATERIAL initially started out as a duo with an aim to create music suitable to be used as soundtrack music, but a chance encounter with the German art rock band Alias Eye has led to developments towards rather different musical territories. Eventually settling down as a five man strong band, PGM has made a name for themselves in their native Germany as a band excelling in melodic progressive rock. "Island Noises" is their seventh production, and was issued in the spring of 2011 by the US label Progrock Records.

While not exactly adhering to that approach, Poor Genetic Material's latest production "Island Noises" is one that will have the strongest appeal amongst fans of neo progressive rock. The emphasis on harmonic melodies and the symphonic use of keyboard textures are features that will delight many who are fond of this stylistic expression. And while a few parts might be too smooth for some and the odd flirt with AOR style melodic rock may not suit everybody, the overall conclusion for me is that this crowd will be the key audience of this production. With melodic rock fans able to appreciate sophisticated features a second audience I believe this band should seek out.