THE RPWL EXPERIENCE

"The RPWL Experience", the fourth studio album by German prog band RPWL, is an experience for life, at least if you are interested in their music. Fans of the first three albums must have been pleasantly surprised to hear how the band takes their Pink Floyd-like sound to the next level. Not only the loyal fanbase is charmed by the album, but many others also appreciate the more direct guitar-driven sound.

With the vibrant Silenced, the band immediately makes it clear how they want to go about on this album. The song, based on a strong guitar riff, bass guitar even keyboards, exudes a delightful energy that relies not so much on its heaviness but on its persuasive power. This steamy composition features an extensive keyboard extravaganza by Yogi Lang, who once again lets his Manfred Mann inspiration shine through. Meanwhile, that raw riff keeps pushing forward, creating an almost hypnotic effect.

The following Breathe In, Breathe Out with its wide-sweeping guitar arpeggios is an unmistakable RPWL song in the realm of mid-tempo compositions. However, there is something that makes the song more than deserving of its place on this album that is the gritty foundation in which the plucked strings thrive. We also hear this combination in Where Can I Go, where there is room for blissful Gilmour-esque slide guitar. This juxtaposition between originality and Pink Floyd-like elements hangs over the album consistently you never feel that it is insincere.

A notable song is This Is Not A Prog Song, which, as the title suggests, deviates from the rest. RPWL presents an infectious rock song here, with the lyrics being a recitation of quotes from negative reviews. The band's Pink Floyd-like sound is heavily criticized, so it's amusing that the preceding track, Masters Of War, almost bursts with comparisons.

The album boasts an abundance of variety, which is remarkable considering that diversity has never been the band's strong suit until then. The fact that your taste buds are swirled in all directions on "The RPWL Experience" is an extraordinarily pleasant experience make no mistake: RPWL never denies its true identity. I Watch Myself Sleeping is a delightful little piece with a groove that is just a tad too fine, while the dark Alone And Scared and the punk-ish Choose What You Want To Look At stir up emotions. These songs gain extra cachet from the intervening tracks Stranger and Talk To The River. The fact that both songs bring an epic structure to the album is as welcome as? fill in the blank.

The dynamic Stranger is full of vibrant guitar riffs that swirl delightfully the song also features blissful Moog squawks from King Lang. Another defining aspect of the band's sound is the endearing vocals of Lang himself. Without indulging in extravagant expressions, he knows exactly how much to give in each song. The opening section of Talk To The River is a beautiful example of this, as his warm voice blends perfectly with Kalle Wallner's subtle guitar playing.

The album has two closers. First, there is the beautiful Turn Back The Clock, which concludes the regular album then this special edition ends with the even more beautiful Reach For The Sun, which carries a delightful Genesis atmosphere towards the end. These two songs leave the listener with a satisfied feeling that is precisely what a closer should do.

RPWL has done themselves a great service with "The RPWL Experience". The strength of the work is that it is typically an album from a band that is already doing well and then suddenly takes a huge leap forward. Praise, praise more praise.

Orginally posted on www.progenrock.com

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