EUPNEA

Pure Reason Revolution is one of those bands that started off strongly with their album 'The Dark Third' in 2006, an album that would instantly get a lot of respect in prog circles, especially among Pink Floyd fans. Their music mixed those lush PF sounds with their own unique male/female layered vocals, at times becoming very exploratory and giving a space rock mentality. Everyone was interested in where this band would go. Unfortunately, they moved to a more radio-friendly sound, and the follow up albums 'Amor Vincit Omnia' and 'Hammer and Anvil' did not stand up to the expectations set by that debut album. After ten years of becoming basically a memory, everyone had given up on them and had to settle on their one excellent album. Suddenly, the announcement was made that their new album 'Eupnea' would be released in 2020 and that it would be a return to form. Yeah, we've all heard that one before. But I have to admit that I was curious anyway.

So, I heard the new album once, and thought it sounded really great. But I had to be sure. So I listened more, and things just kept getting better the more I would listen. Not only has the band had a 'return to form', but they have also 'progressed' their sound to include a wider palette of styles making themselves more 'eclectic' in a way, effectively infusing other progressive styles into their music. Jon and Chloe have returned, and in a big way.

'New Obsession' sounds a few steps more promising than what we have been hearing from the band in their last few albums. There is a level of the poppiness there, but there is a definite return to form, at least somewhat. However, with 'Silent Genesis', the band not only returns to full-form with an amazing 10 minute track, but even steps ever so confidently into both progressive metal and jazz fusion territories as the track continues. The music as a result sounds so much more mature with a track that is even better than anything on their masterpiece album 'The Dark Third'. What an impressive track, and now we hear that the compositional genius of the band has only been laying dormant for several years, only to be awakened with a vengeance on this track.

'Maelstrom' then takes on a nice, slick and lush sound with Chloe taking the lead vocals alone this time before eventually sharing them with Jon later on. Now, we've got a track that sits quite comfortably among a more artistic pop sound, one that merits a spot alongside some of the better tracks of Alan Parsons Project, but with the unique PRR harmonies. But, it picks up some steam by the last third of the track with a great balance of vocals/guitars/keyboards. Very nice. 'Ghosts and Typhoons' goes back to a longer form track and begins with a sound more reminiscent of the songs on 'The Dark Third', that sound that so effectively brings in the Pink Floyd-ian styles that were explored so well on that album while retaining their unique vocal styling. But, you are not left to just float along for 8 minutes, like you might have been on that previous album. This time, the music becomes heavier and more intense, using dynamics to their advantage to create more depth. Then, to make it even more interesting, you get splashes of some great symphonic styles which later give way to layers of heaviness as it all re-develops to end in a powerful way.

The rest of the album continues to impress and amaze, especially with the 13 minute title track. When you listen to this, you will know that it is still the same band that created 'The Dark Third', but have even improved beyond that, which is what you would expect from any top-rate progressive band. I definitely had my doubts that PRR could ever come close to their debut album, but not only have they come close to it, they have surpassed it. Now they have done something that I had never expected them to do, create an album that could easily contend for the best album of the year. It is so good to have them back, better than ever!