PURE

I may have found a new favorite 21st Century Neo Prog Album! I really like this new heavier side of a formerly-syrupy neo-symphonic fan favorite. While I appreciated the skill and sound of the previous incarnation of Pendragon, I never loved anything of theirs. For some reason I love this album! I think it's the fact that the meaningful, literate lyrics are delivered in such a powerful and accessible fashion--with great choruses that you want to sing along with. Also, I think that Nick Barrett has matured into one of the masters of the emotionally charged electric guitar solo--especially in his gift for drawing them out and maintaining and even increasing that emotional provocation.

1. "Indigo" (13:44) (29/30) 2. "Eraserhead" (9:05) (16/20) 3. "Comatose" (17:38) (30.375/35) - I - View From The Seashore (7:41) (11.625/15) - II - Space Cadet (4:02) (8.75/10) - III - Home and Dry (5:55) (10/10) 4. "The Freak Show" (4:26) (8.5/10) 5. "It's Only Me" (8:16) (18/20)

Total Time: 53:10

While some members of the Pendragon fan club have lamented their beloved Neo Prog band's transition from their previous symphonic romanticism to this heavier, more protracted style, I am loving this more than the noodling nostalgia of their old pre-Believe stuff. Plus, their modern lyrics--which are wonderfully accessible--seem to have much more social relevance.

B+/4.5 stars; a near-masterpiece of progressive rock music.