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Pure Reason Revolution “Coming Up To Consciousness” Album Review by Nolan Pearce

PURE REASON REVOLUTION

Pure Reason Revolution has a history of metamorphosis, reassembling their musical components to birth profoundly resonant albums. Their sixth studio venture, Coming Up To Consciousness, arrives two years after Above Cirrus, presenting a deeply personal canvas painted by grief, deception, and existential reflections. Spearheaded by the ever-expressive Jon Courtney and the adept Greg Jong, this album carves a niche in progressive rock that is both intricate and accessible.

Opening with the evocative single “Dig Till You Die,” there’s a dreamy lure similar to early Pink Floyd, bolstered by Guy Pratt‘s bass lines that seamlessly bind with Ravi Kesavaram’s drums. The track introduces the harmonious vocal pairing of Courtney and newcomer Annicke Shireen, whose voice seamlessly integrates with the band’s sonic landscape, providing a tender yet powerful entry.

“Betrayal” stands out with its minimalist beginnings, evoking emotion through its piano-driven melody before expanding into more complex layers. The transition from fragility to fervor in this track reveals Courtney’s adept songwriting, capturing the tumult and paradoxes of deception.

Tracks like “The Gallows” and “Useless Animal” continue this reflective journey. “The Gallows” is filled with metaphorical depth, likened to Opeth’s solemn tones, yet distinctly Pure Reason Revolution in its vocal dynamism. “Useless Animal” balances poignant lyrics with an escalating intensity, ensuring it strikes a chord with fans of the heavier end of the prog spectrum. Guy Pratt’s bass and Bruce Soord’s mixing lend it a resonant finish that sticks long after the song concludes.

The album’s second half intensifies with “Worship,” a track delving into provocative lyrical territory with a gripping ebb and flow in its musical narrative. There’s a heightened sense of urgency and grandeur that marks it as a standout track. Following it, “Bend the Earth” captivates with its rhythmically rich foundation and a strikingly harmonious vocal blend, painting an ominous yet enthralling soundscape.

The album’s zenith is arguably “Lifeless Creature,” a multi-faceted song that sharply addresses raw emotions with visceral lyrics. The instrumental prowess of the band shines here, offering ample space for each member’s talent to flourish. It’s a tour de force of progressive rock, blending heart-wrenching lyricism with intricate musicianship.

“As We Disappear,” the closing track, provides a poignant resolution to the album. Inspired by Jill Tegan Doherty’s dreamlike cover art and the personal grief surrounding Courtney’s loss, the song juxtaposes sorrowful themes with uplifting melodies, encapsulating the record’s overarching narrative of catharsis.

While Coming Up To Consciousness excels in thematic depth and musical cohesion, the frequent interludes can feel superfluous, potentially interrupting the album’s otherwise immersive flow. However, they do provide connective tissue that maintains the album’s continuity, preparing the listener for the upcoming auditory and emotional shifts.

In sum, Pure Reason Revolution delivers an arresting mix of reflective lyrics, robust arrangements, and compelling performances in Coming Up To Consciousness. It’s an album that invites repeated listens, unveiling new layers with each encounter.

Favorite tracks include “Lifeless Creature,” “Bend the Earth,” and “Dig Till You Die,” showcasing the band’s ability to traverse emotional landscapes while retaining musical sophistication. Coming Up To Consciousness is solid and significant in the progressive rock domain, warranting an 8.5/10 in this reviewer’s book.

LotsOfMuzik had the pleasure to sit with Jon some weeks ago, if you haven’t watched that interview go watch it here:

Get you copy here: https://purereasonrevolution.lnk.to/ComingUpToConsciousness

PURE REASON REVOLUTION album

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