PARTICLES

I haven't heard 2011's 'Uninvited Dreams', although I know that it has had some very strong reviews, so all I had to go on before playing this album was the 2008 'The Body Parts Party' which I wasn't exactly a huge fan of. So when I put this on and "Hard-Boiled Wonderland" literally blasted out of the speakers before moving into a driven neo-prog number I was somewhat taken aback. To say that the band has moved on in the last five years is quite an understatement. Whereas previously there was confusion and lack of clarity, now we have a band that is full of confidence and know exactly where the music is going to take them. It is polished, heavy without being too metallic, and there is even a sense of humour in the some of interplay and nuances. Great vocals with a real feeling for accessibility and immediacy makes this album an absolute delight from start to finish. Now a confirmed five-piece, this is yet another band that is flying the flag to show just how much great music is coming out of Poland.

Bartek Bereska's guitar sound is superb, and his control and fluidity of solos really lifts Osada Vida to new heights. As much as I felt disappointed by the last album of theirs that I heard, this time I am excited and looking forward to the future. I also realise that I am going to have to go back and get 'Uninivited Dreams' after all as if that is in the same vein as this then I am in for a real treat. If you want commercial Dream Theater with some great It Bites hooks then this is for you. Visit their webiste at www.osadavida.art.pl to find out more.