Best debut album I've heard this year, no danger.
The only thing pedestrian about Norway's own POB is the funereal keyboard intro to the first track. '
Crossing Over' they've fashioned a hard melodic rock sound that flirts, often outrageously, with Progrock and melodic metal, frequently embracing these other sub genres with enthusiasm and no little passion.
Of course, there's prog and there's prog. There's the impenetrable, technically awesome type, where all feeling is squeezed out by cold precision. Then there's the melodic, rhythmic type. Where the dynamic of time signatures, arrangements and instruments is there to reflect a change in moods or subject matter.
Opener '
Father & Son' ticks all the latter's boxes with an emphatic, confident swoosh.
Elsewhere, inventive arrangements and an imaginative production, one that sparingly but very effectively employs the best of contemporary studio techniques - like short bursts of processed vocals, or sections of grainy lo-fi that suddenly explode into colour filled stereo - give the music a sharp sonic edge.
The songs, especially the choruses, are fleshed out fully with powerful harmonies, usually heavyweight and always fleet of foot.
Many tracks - '
World Of Things' and '
The Line' are good examples - are characterised by juggernaut bass lines. Even the carefully measured axework on the former and the sweetening piano motif on the latter cannot stop the rhythms steamrollering over everything in their path. Much in the manner of Kings X at their melodic best.
'
Promises', '
The Garden' and '
The Other Side' are solid, 3 dimensional shapes, full of shadowy colours, flowing prog metal and aurally adhesive hooks. Absolutely outstanding tracks.
Even as you cruise into the last third of the album, where the fillers usually lurk, the quality control is admirable. The picks are probably
'Altar Of Love', full of confessional lyrics, thumping basses, speeding keyboards and escalating axe soloing. And
'More Than A Dream', written around a classy piano, vaguely reminiscent of Genesis, but now beefed up, with a steely melodic spine.
This is a fascinating and rewarding listen. '
Crossing Over' is a wonderful debut album.
Pedestrians Of Blue are absolutely and unequivocally a band to watch.
Clear?
Written by
Brian Wednesday, July 25, 2007
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