PINN DROPP

— First review of this album —

It was a relatively long wait, but yet we have another sign of life at hand from a band that is constituted around guitarist Piotr Sym and Mateusz Jagiello as the core since the beginning. I was very much convinced with their debut album, '... they are providing rock songs with finesse and profoundness ...' I noted in 2018. Thus my expectations were high of course after receiving the new promo files. No significant changes concerning the global musical attitude, so much for the first impression. They are from Poland, but actually you can't hear that, lyrics are in English, and Jagiello's vocals are top as usual. With Jake Aubrey there is another drummer involved regarding the production, his parts were recorded in Bath, England. And two additional keyboarder are aboard, which offers more possibilities to consolidate the overall sound.

This four-track EP features new compositions with the intention to set the global mood when it comes to the second studio album, scheduled for the year 2022. I would say the first two songs, taken as an unseparable couple, are representing the non plus ultra regarding the Progressive Rock genre. Including some samples the ambient feel of the intro The Call marks a clever entry to the fulminant main track Vortex, that shines with a sweeping flow and memorable refrain. Setting the focus on a more charming atmospheric and balladesque expression the three-part-suite Cluster and the following Always Here then are enjoyable for sure, but not that exceptional according to my taste. 3.5 stars. All in all 'Calling From Some Far Forgotten Land' comes as a proper appetizer, will be also available in vinyl and CD format.

PINN DROPP is a new progressive rock outfit from Warsaw I rapidly went on fire after getting in touch. It was their initial EP exactly, consisting of three appetizer, which all were intended to be part of the regular debut. However, it took about a year until the album release became official finally. They have slightly reworked the songs in between. Eh, in the meanwhile it felt that familiar, liking this more and more while listening again and again. So I was a bit surprised, couldn't assume that this ever might be a case of revision. On Unresolved for example cries of seagulls are more present, maybe intended to serve some native East Sea coast vibe more intensively? The songs are nothing else than refined once again, though yet not overproduced. That proves they are acting with carefulness, hence I'm still amazed. Hey, old or new, we even are in the comfortable situation to compare in the end!

PINN DROPP are providing rock songs with finesse and profoundness, quite a revelation for a prog aficionado who is keen on modern heavy progressive stuff. Clever song writing, highly melodic, this is on the same level with the latest 'Art Of Illusion' album. Special kudos to guitarist Piotr Sym, who has wide influence concerning concept and compositions. Well, probably intended, do you like to argue about the album title? Rather contradictive, is it meant in the meaning of 'Nobody Is Perfect'? Or simply used as a catchy phrase? Anyway, 'Perfectly Flawed' is a well thought out sound collection with nearly 80 minutes running time. Entertaining all the way through, without exception. Arranged both with complexity and super catchiness. Perfectly balanced due to a proper blend of rocking parts as well as restrained moments featuring prospering acoustic guitars and piano lines.

Mateusz Jagiello's vocals are refined with some effects and special arrangements on top. And furthermore, at some point it's definitely worth it to concentrate on the band's rhythm section, speaking of Pawel Wolinski (bass) and drummer Dariusz Piwowarczyk. The latter also involved in defining the shape of the band's sound right from the beginning. Thumbs up again! As for that here is a new rounded affair at start at the end of the year 2018. No need to highlight a special song, as the whole issue runs like one extendend epic. That will also include the cinematic bonus track, which solely is available when it comes to the album's digital version. Since the Riverside lift-off I have noticed a lot of promising heavy prog bands hailing from Poland. PINN DROPP definitely are capable of taking the lead, if they will continue in this way. Perfect? Yes! Flawed? No! Perfectly Flawed? ... maybe. Time will tell, and you will decide. Do not miss this!