SPOOKY ACTION AT A DISTANCE

Yes they're back! P-SA has released their 4th album today! I've read several things about it over the last few weeks, some positive and negative things about this new album from the spin-off of Spock's Beard... they are different, and you can see it on this record. Stop thinking that haha

In this album, they present their well-written prog/art rock music as we heard in previous albums, but this time, I feel they reached their own sound and feel. This is in my opinion their most mature album to date, exploring the art-rock side with short and more accessible tracks and their soundtracky and adventurous compositions with longer songs. A mix of their three previous albums into a well constructed and balanced record.

The performance on this album is so great and the arrangements and soundscapes, the choice of sounds is brilliant, I think that's the contribution of John Boegehold (mostly). Kudos to him!

Starting with this cinematic side, kind of spaghetti western song, "The Man Made of Stone", a great presentation for the album. Followed by two short tracks, "Window to the World" and "What Awaits Me?", exploring that art-rock and commercial side, nice tracks. And another long song pops in, "He Once Was", a very adventurous composition, a trip through different musical textures, the slower sections are incredible, exquisite arrangements and stunning vocals by Ted Leonard - he always sounds great.

After that the ballad "Underneath the Orphan Moon", very emotional, and my favorite track "Clouds That Never Rain", very 80s influenced, powerful and melodic. We continue with "Bulletproof" very poppy and "Somewhere North of Nowhere", which reminds me a lot of Spock's Beard.

"Summoned by Afar", what a great song, the folky side of P-SA is incredible. Great evolving song, arrangements are awesome, especially the choir moment. And they close the album with a beautiful ballad "Love is Still The Night", lovely ending.

Though I own and enjoy all their studio albums, this 2023 offering is my first review of this talented US band, often described as a Spock's Beard offshoot because of common musicians, a group that just never stuck with me even though I have 4 albums of theirs! Pattern-Seeking Animals have always impressed me with some intricate yet addictive melodies that seem to be the hallmark of their craft. The talent of former Enchant and SB vocalist and guitarist Ted Leonard is literally off the charts, a rather intoxicating duality that leaves a very strong imprint on the material. Bassist extraordinaire Dave Meros is a stalwart four string figure and combined with Jimmy Keegan on the drums, they certainly can be labelled as the dynamic duo. The unheralded keyboardist John Boegenhold remains perhaps the main reason why the incredible melodies have such an understated majesty to them, as his interventions colour the entire spectrum of soundscapes that litter all the tracks throughout their discography.

Immediate impact is achieved on the highly melodic "The Man Made of Stone", a perfect prog opener as it charms the ear from the get-go, drizzling all the ingredients discussed above with a measured equilibrium and expectant pace. After the amazing voice engrave the verses and the main chorus with conviction, the slithering synths, cello and mellotron interventions elevate the track into celestial heights, imaginative beyond the norm and crowned with a soaring Leonard guitar solo that dances with the orchestral backdrop. Tremendous piece. Two concise tracks present a more accessible, fun side to the playlist, as the spotlight shines on Leonard's dazzling vocal intricacies, tick-tock percussive meters, and inspired playing by all involved. "Window to the World" also has a deep bass splurge that shoves this piece along succinctly. That same swirly 'pattern-seeking' bass introduces "What Awaits Me" and its ghostly outlook mostly due to the glacial keyboard backdrop, with a leather-lunged vocal and a glittering prize guitar solo from Ted, finished off by a mellotron permeation.

"He Once Was" shows how well some American bands can perform the British prog style, as this 12 minute + epic has an illustrious amount of diversity in the numerous transitions, at times vocally playfully pastoral, then intensely passionate, before unleashing their instrumental dexterity, once again initiated by that carving bass. Stinging synths, shaking guitar riffs and a colossal pulse lead the extended arrangement into glorious imagery, full of mystery and imagination (to quote the earlier Edgar A. Poe) and intoxicating melodic intent. When Leonard reverts to his microphone, the stimulating atmosphere becomes a bucolic sing along that escalates into quite the anthem. Ted whips out his electric guitar and proceeds to slay this dragon aided, and abetted with a textbook sax solo that adds the coup de grace. 'They are on their way home'.

A return to three shorter tracks, beginning with a more conventional ballad in "Underneath the Orphan Moon", nothing complicated but expertly assembled with electrifying orchestrations and a huge vocal delivery that convinces without the slightest doubt. Meros underlines it all with his mellifluous bass, assisting Ted into another brief guitar blast and an ornate piano finale. The romping "Clouds That Never Rain" has a quirky feel, with harmony vocals supporting the lead vocal, a few addictive twists and turns that enchant (pun intended), a radio friendly piece that has cleverness and curiosity as the main draws. "Bulletproof" has an original early prog texture at first, with an echoing e-piano leading way, mellotron not far behind, evolving into a very comfortable place, raising the roof on a chorus that veers towards the dramatic.

Mini-epic time arrives back at the orbiting station, "Somewhere North of Nowhere" is another example of how the contrasts can be found within the same piece, as if a duel between two differing places or situations, incorporating instrumental complexity into the basic melodic mix, perhaps showcasing the exact definition which makes this band so interesting. Leonard has always been a fabulous singer but in this ongoing progressive environment, he glitters like gold, intensely compelling even when menacingly dramatic. The fact that he can sparkle on the fretboard is such a massive two-fer. Check out Keegan's pummeling polyrhythmic display here, a master craftsman indeed. Its companion is the eloquent "Summoned From Afar", a colossal second salvo that elects to veer into a highly cinematographic vein, where mandolin, mellotron and choir (always a winning combo) take hold of the senses and never let go, through all the dizzying ebb and flow of a poignant story about a war weary combatant who just wants to come home again, a reappearance of a unassuming life of happy comfort , as implied by a playful flute. The mandolin reappears to cavort with the mighty mellotron, waiting for another blistering axe solo to settle the score. These two tracks really impress even the most reticent animal. A swooning love song to finish off any album will never get a no from this romantic penman! "Love is Still the Night" has all the attributes of a classic tune, interpreted by a plethora of potential balladeers, both professionals and amateurs as it is armed with expressive lyrics, an over-the-top melody, and a pleading vocal for the ages.

4.5 Eerie secluded movements

I am glad to see that Spock's Beard have various tours lined up as it would not take much for fans to assume that band no longer exists, given they have not released an album since 2018 (the return to form 'Noise Floor'), but the band formed out of it have now released their fourth since then. Both Ted Leonard (lead vocals, guitar) and Dave Meros (bass) are still in the line-up of Spock's Beard, drummer Jimmy Keegan was in the band for a large number of years, while keyboard player John Boegehold is a long-time collaborator (and nearly joined them prior to Ryo Okomuto). I have been a fan of Ted's since the debut Enchant album a million years ago, and he never disappoints (so pleased I managed to catch that band in concert), Jimmy Keegan has always been an exciting player who adds to every band or project he is involved with, Dave Meros is one of the most exciting and constructive bassists around (listen to any of his live work in particular to see just what he brings), while John Boegehold is an under-rated keyboard player and composer who has finally made it into the spotlight he so richly deserves.

P-SA have shown with their previous works that they are not an SB clone, and in fairness the current SB is very different indeed to the band which set the prog scene alight nearly 30 years ago. Here they continue that development, showing they have their own identity as they continue to follow a style of prog which is both commercial and mixed with American melodic rock and even some pop elements which make them truly crossover. In Keegan and Meros they have a superb rhythm section, and against this the keyboards and guitars work well to create the backdrop for Ted. Remember, he is a singer first and foremost and a guitarist second, with Alan Morse very much taking the lead role in Spock's Beard and Douglas Ott in Enchant, yet he combines well with John, showing he is more adept in that area than many would give him credit for. However, it is not his main area, which means the songs are very constructed and arranged so the feeling is that the music is always there to support the vocals and create the atmosphere and feeling.

The result is a wonderfully polished and enthralling album which can be enjoyed the first time it is played, and while there is not too much depth it is also a grower and one which can be played repeatedly. Given the success of P-SA it is going to be interesting to see if we do get another album from Spock's Beard, and if so, just what is it going to sound like? P-SA are very much creating their own path, moving far away from their roots, emotional and sitting happily in the prog mainstream.

Pattern-Seeking Animals (P-SA) is rather the prolific type. Born from the ashes of Spock's Beard, the group released their 4th album in 5 years: 'Spooky Action At A Distance'. Part of a Prog Rock that could be described as "classic", P- SA 's music is no less interesting and extremely refined. However, it will be necessary to go beyond a first listen which can leave a feeling of homogeneity without relief (lasting 1h33, bonus included!) to truly appreciate the richness of the different titles.

A rhythm worthy of a military march opens the album and "The Man Made Of Stone". This first impression is quickly forgotten when the comforting voice of Ted Leonard and the melodic power of the group intervene. We will note synthesizer sounds that catch the ear, excellent bass licks, and a magnificent cello part. An opening that sets high foundations.

A very 'catchy' synth/bass riff opens the way to "Window To The World", a track marked by a different rhythmic approach which leans towards Reggae. I particularly appreciated the placement of the vocal lines in this syncopated environment.

Once again, opening with a killer bass lick and an unconventional rhythm on "What Awaits Me". The title is magnificently served by the acoustic instruments (including unusual sitar sounds) and the contribution of the brass. In addition, the choirs are more present here, reinforcing the emotional side of the song.

Long development of more than 12 minutes, "He Once Was" is one of the central pieces of the record. A medieval/folk type melody introduces this title with superb wind instrument parts. Gradually, the title evolves towards more contemporary sounds, and we find rich instrumental sequences, an emotional "Floyd-ian" guitar solo followed by a sober but effective saxophone solo reminiscent of Supertramp.

"Underneath The Orphan Moon" has the markers of a sad nursery rhyme telling the story of a young girl who is expecting a baby and decides to leave home. The contribution of the brass reinforces the emotional side, and what can we say about the very unusual guitar solo!

Without transition, it's time for the up-tempo of "Clouds That Never Rain" and its little instrumental motif which permeates the mind. "Bulletproof", for its part, is a cover of a Spock's Beard track from the album 'Noise Floor'. It's a song that sounds rather pop and has the particularity of containing in its lyrics the name of the future group ("Just a pattern-seeking animal caught up in God's grand parade").

A more complex title than it seems, "Somewhere North Of Nowhere" is marked by a particular rhythmic signature and reveals the most Prog side of the group, notably via a bridge with a disturbing atmosphere. Small drop in speed on "Summoned From Afar" which struggles to capture attention throughout its duration, and here we arrive at the last track of the record, "Love Is Still The Light". This more classic ballad in its form, carrying a message of hope, is once again a great success thanks (among other things) to the contribution of female voices.

'Spooky Action At A Distance' is an album that's fairly easy to access, but whose beauty lies in the details. The writing and performing talents of Pattern-Seeking Animals are quite evident and allow them to now play in the big leagues.

Review originally posted on www.progcritique.com.