12 STORIES DOWN

This release is actually a collector item. The first CD is mostly represented with songs that are available on their ''10 Stories Down'' released a month later (some of them with another mix and different lyrics). This is why I will only describe the bonus CD as well as some tracks unavailable on their ''true'' effort.

As it is referenced to, this collector item is hardly impressive, unless you are a PTh frenetic. The second CD ''Eight Days Later'' was supposedly written, recorded and mixed in eight days just as the bonus disc ''Eight Days'' available on the special edition of ''Variations On A Dream''.

It mainly consists in instrumental and ambient music (''Monday August 9th'', ''Tuesday?) although the opener has more texture thanks to its vocal parts which offer a more classic PTh atmosphere while the acoustic and mellow ''Wednesday?'' is sweet, light and melancholic. But in the style, I far much prefer the nice rock ballad ''Friday?''. One of the best track IMO.

''Thursday'' starts with a harder angle, but ends up pretty much in the PT mood (I mean PT here). Repetitive riff, hypnotic beat before the last minute which is again full of wildness.

My favourite is the crescendo type ''Sunday?''. Since I quite like the crescendo structure, I am charmed by this track. Somewhat sad of course (but this a general remark for this work as a whole ? including ''12 Stories'').

The last three tracks from this CD are truly ''PTh'' compliant, especially ''Wretched Soul'' also present on their ''4 Stories Down'' EP. Actually, all these versions of this album makes it quite confusing. Too much is too much!

As an teaser, there is a cut-down version of ''Will Light Your Eyes'' as well. And to conclude, there are some unreleased tracks like ''Slip Away'', ''Watch The World'' or ''Catch The Jumping Fool''. Nothing from the other world, really. One good mention though for ''Take Our Hands''.

Two stars for this ultra long set.