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Pallas: XXV

Progressive Rock

4.5/5.0

Mascot Records
Website Facebook Twitter MySpace
by Craig Hartranft,  02.21.2011

Cripes! What's all the fuss about. Travel the web, even the band's website, and you would think Pallas' new album XXV was near to the second coming of Jesus Christ, or at least the untimely resurrection of Elvis (which some would more appreciate than the former).

While their history has been suspect after their seminal, and appropriately acclaimed, debut The Sentinel, Pallas has resurrected themselves in recent years. But they haven't done anything since 2005's The Dreams of Men. Then add the controversy of replacing lead singer Alan Reed with the new guy Paul Mackie, and you have something between the faux drama of the Jersey Shore and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Okay, I'll say it: XXV is likely the best thing that Pallas has done since their astonishing debut.

First point: don't quibble about Reed's departure as Mackie delivers. Second, once called neo or post progressive rock against their 70's peers, XXV reinvents the timeless and entertaining character that makes English progressive rock so persuasive. From the opener Falling Down to the massively entertaining Monster to XXV Parts I & II, this is clever, well composed, and quite vibrant prog rock. Never excessively heavy, but well produced, XXV delights with a spirited mixture of minimalism and complexity. Compare Young God and the short and atmospheric Blackwood. Other fine tracks include Crash and Burn, The Alien Messiah, and Violent Sky. Overall, XXV is well-rounded and impressive.

Some have already called for Pallas' XXV to be prog rock album of the year. Shit. It's only February! But I get my colleague's enthusiasm. As with most genres, the old school is the new school, and Pallas easily 'schools' the youngsters with their dynamic and modern progressive rock.

Quite recommended!

Some have already called for Pallas' XXV to be prog rock album of the year. Shit. It's only February! But I get my colleague's enthusiasm. As with most genres, the old school is the new school, and Pallas easily 'schools' the youngsters with their dynamic and modern progressive rock.

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Arriving from Finland, the origins of Transworld Identity come from Mila Bosa, a singer in a cover band. But it wasn't enough. She aspired to write and perform original songs, forming Transworld Identity ... [ Read More ]