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Pendragon - Pure CD (album) cover

PURE

Pendragon

 

Neo-Prog

3.90 | 716 ratings

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voliveira
5 stars "Pure" is not only my favorite album of neo-prog (along with "Contagion" from the Arena), as it has to be one of the most underappreciated works of progressive rock and a strong contender for album of the year.

Unlike their albums of the 90s, the sound of 'Pure' is very dark and forward-metal (very common neo-progressive bands of today).I believe that one factor in this change was the addition of new drummer Scott Higham, who has high energy and smashes on the drums. This is a drastic change, but what can I say? Nick Barrett is the man!

He is the man here.This can be seen in the strong opener "Indigo. " A music dark, heavy and angry (Barrett seems to sing a few "fuck" to 6 minutes). But the 8-minute song changes completely to a solo guitar like never before, with many nuances Floydian (a relevant influence on the work of Pendragon). Barrett is arguably the best guitarist of neo-prog.

"Eraserhead" continues the way a somewhat grumpy and punk, but at 3 minutes there is a drastic change-I like the voice that is singing "oooooo" at the bottom of music.The final part is epic is an interesting duel between Barrett and Nolan.

The central epic "Comatose", just like other songs the band is subdivided into more than one song, in this case three, "View from the Seashore", "Space Cadet" and "Home and dry".

The first opens in the typical style of Pendragon, but then grows into a violent guitar riff that has to be heavier than they already composed.After Barrett's vocals in the music we got the best part, where a wonderful solo.And guitar takes the final? Divine violins announce to come ...

... and that something is "Space Cadet".This is a more pop-oriented track, at least until its half, where a piece is being driven by vocals and dark Mellotrons. "Home and dry", the final part, is the weakest link in the chain and the only disappointing moment on the album.

It is interesting to note how these three songs are not interconnected, ie, one does not get directly to where another left off, although some themes are repeated here and there.

"Freak Show" takes you back to the territory of heavy riffs, as its opening is similar to the guitar solo of "Indigo".And "It's only me" closes the album with much sadness and beauty-the ultimate guitar solo is fantastic, and there is no way to hear the harmonica opening without thinking of Supertramp.

Definitely a masterpiece, 5 stars.

voliveira | 5/5 |

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