RPWL has been a very pleasant discovery. "World through my eyes" should please those with an urge for melancholic and soothing progressive rock that can transport the listener to a far away exotic place. The album is a long, but entertaining journey where you will discover a new twist with each listen. If you have seen the movie "Garden State" then you might get the same feeling while listening to parts of this album which sets a special atmosphere right from the start and keeps it through the album. Some may find it boring but I really like the very relaxed, sort of otherworldly with a kind of "floating outside looking in"-feeling the music has. It is really hard to explain.
Several different instruments and effects are used to form a musical tapestry of warm colors which wash together in a convincing fashion.
Sleep opens with an oriental vibe to it and
Start the fire continues with a slightly psychedelic but firmly rocking base. These two songs succesfully set the mood for the rest of the album. All the way through the rythm section is poised and quite laid back, taking its time and letting the music evolve with each listen showing more detail each time. Talented musicians all around.
Everything comes together in the 8+ minute
Everything was not enough where the use of different instruments, hamonies and mood swings in the music and lyrics bring a sense of wonder to the whole thing. The song has a very life affirming message and I just love it, especially the piano introduction.
Roses is the most "normal" song on the album and another highlight. It doesn't take any detours and has a catchy chorus. The guitar work feels very natural and guides the song in the right direction. One of my favorite singers,
Ray Wilson sings on this one and he gives it a big burst of feeling. His voice is just amazing and contains incredible amounts of warmth, melancholy and sadness which fit the sense of longing that the lyrics describe just perfect.
There is a definite Beatles vibe to some songs.
3 Lights emanates a wonderful relaxed vibe which is carried through the whole song. It is a song that will suck the stress from your body, but I do feel that the instrumental part goes on for just a bit too long. This is also my main problem with the album, sometimes the music just becomes too psychedelic and far-out for my taste. Like in
Sea Nature which really needs some element of binding the song together. It feels too unfocused and random, which might have been the whole point, but I just don't think this song lives up to the rest of the album. The ten minute title track also struggles to keep my attention with a varied but drawn out avalanche of sounds and melodies.
Day on my pillow is a nice reflective song with an absolutely wonderful chorus.
Wasted Land reminds me a lot of
Roses. It has the same up-beat tempo and the song builds much in the same way. A song about seeing through all the crap and living according to your own beliefs.
Bound to reach the end ends the album in what I think is a perfect way. The song is beautiful and soothing with a very fitting guitar solo. The line
"Only a few are blessed with fearlessness, seeking the guidance of their heart, and find love" sums up the essence of the lyrics as well.
I bought the SACD version which comes with a bonus track. It is worth getting the the bonus track but it is not essential if you're not a fan. Overall this is a long and rewarding album that wins on repeated listens. Definitely not for everybody, but those who see the 3 Lights will come to love it.
Listening tips: Roses, Everything was not enough, 3 lights, Bound to reach the end.
Written by
Steen Friday, May 13, 2005
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