SHRINE OF NEW GENERATION SLAVES

4.5 stars. RIVERSIDE in my opinion are at their best when they play in that atmospheric style with the addition of Duda's warm vocals. Well, we get that style in spades here on "Shrine Of New Generation Slaves". I would go as far as to say this is their most beautiful album, and if it wasn't for the first track i'd be giving this 5 stars.

Not that "New Generation Slave" is a bad tune, in fact I do like it somewhat but right from the first spin of this album i've felt it always gets this recording off on the wrong foot. Lots of tension with vocals early on until it's released after 2 minutes. This is good. "No I don't have a stomach ache, it's just my face." An instrumental workout follows with lots of organ late. "The Depth Of Self-Delusion" is more like the RIVERSIDE I love. A beautiful instrumental section though brief begins after 3 minutes as the vocals return quickly with strings. Another great instrumental passage before 4 1/2 minutes and I love the mellow ending. Excellent track! "Celebrity Touch" hits the ground running and the vocals are passionate here as well as we get some good organ runs. It turns atmospheric before 2 1/2 minutes with warm vocals. Love it! It then kicks back in but contrasts will continue. A nice guitar solo after 4 1/2 minutes with chunky bass lines. Such beauty in this one at times like old school PORCUPINE TREE. "We Got Used To Us" is a top three with those multi-vocals to start that are replaced by Duda alone. How emotional is this song? Thankyou God! "We never talk when we fall apart". Man this is too close to home lyrically. A gorgeous track and so emotional.

"Feel Like Falling" is an interesting song with Duda's at times higher pitched vocals along with some vocal harmonies. Another feel-good tune for me. "Deprived(Irretrievably Lost Imagination)" is another top three tune. A warm atmosphere with intricate sounds as Duda's warm and reserved vocals join in. So beautiful, especially just before 2 minutes. A very cool atmospheric section 4 1/2 minutes in that builds somewhat slowly to a full sound. Nice. "Escalator Shrine" is an over 12 1/2 minute ride. Starting out slowly we get almost spoken vocals before 2 minutes. Both vocals and instruments turn more passionate slowly. It then kicks into a higher gear with organ out front 5 minutes in. Synths then lead before it turns heavier before 6 1/2 minutes. Themes are repeated. It's absolutely gorgeous 10 minutes in and the vocal melodies late to end it with that atmosphere is fantastic. "Coda" is a short piece with picked guitar, atmosphere and laid back vocals. Beautiful to say the least. Now my other top three is the two part track on the bonus disc called "Night Session" worth over 22 minutes and is worth the price of admission alone. An instrumental highlight that is full of atmosphere and beauty.

While many fans seem to be put-off by this recording, it suits my tastes to a tee. I'm repeating myself here but man this album is full of gorgeous melodies and sounds.