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Pattern-Seeking Animals: Only Passing ...

Melodic Progressive Rock

5.0/5.0

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InsideOut Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 30.03.2022 | Released: 01.04.2022

I've been a huge fan of melodic progressive rock since I heard my first YES album, their epnonymous 1969. I was eleven. (You do the math.) We were basically nearing the end of the 60's hippie era thanks to shit like Altamont, Woodstock, and few polictical assassinations. The days of "peace, love, and Bobby Sherman" were over. Then arose the roots of classic progressive music. Yes ... YES. But there was also Camel, Caravan, Genesis and even some American standout like Crack The Sky. Oh, brighter days were ahead!

Pattern-Seeking Animals: animals not pictured.

Like classic rock, classic prog rock has never disappeared. Out of fashion in the current pop beat of repititive pharisaical lyrics and rhythms, definitely. But like the Zep album, the song remains the same. We had the rise of the New Wave of Traditional Metal in the last 20 years. Now we have a new generation of classic melodic progressive rock bands. Perhaps a the "New Wave of Traditional Progressive Rock? NWoTPR? Doesn't quite have the same catchy ring to it. But you heard it here first (at least I think so).

While there many bands to speak of in this phase. One might begin with Roine Stolt and The Flower Kings wherein his intention nearly 30 years ago was to revive classi prog. Yet more recently we have the wonderful Jonas Lindberg & The Other Side (quite possibly the modern heir to TFK), and the fabulous American band Pattern Seeking Animals (whose roots are in Spock's Beard).PSA arrives with their third studio album, Only Passing Through.

To be brief, PSA is not just fabulous, but fandamntastic. The music they create is an homage to prog histroy, but more. It's the perfect blend of intriguing arrangements, skillful and talented musicianship, song and vocal melody and harmony, catchy refrains, and almost, at times, AOR, even pop accessibility. I've probably said this before of previous albums, but it definitely bears repeating. This genius is self-evident across this album.

You've got some rock sensibility and groove woven with prog within Much Ado or I Can't Stay Anymore. PSA gets somewhat more subtle and quiet with the somberness of Rock Paper Scissors and Only Passing Through, yet both are lifted by spirited heavier moments. Die hard fans who like their prog lengthy, dramatic, and more complex while find it with Time Has A Way and Here With You And Me. After these specific song mentions you'll find a nice cooperation between guitar and synths, including some classic Hammond nuances, and also fine bass lines (quite notable within Said The Stranger and the aforementioned Time Has A Way). The album also comes with two bonus tracks: I'm Not Alright and Only Another Day At The Beach.

All in all, and simply, Only Passing Through is another creative, well-crafted and intriguing album of progressive rock from new and modern masters Pattern-Seeking Animals. Quite recommended. Get it!

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

All in all, and simply, Only Passing Through is another creative, well-crafted and intriguing album of progressive rock from new and modern masters Pattern-Seeking Animals. Quite recommended. Get it!

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Six years after the success of their self-titled debut album, Multi-national trio Six By Six returns with their second album, Beyond Shadowland. The band, once again, feature guitarist Ian Crichton (Saga), drummer ... [ Read More ]

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