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New Music Reviews, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, AOR, Alternative Rock, Alternative Metal
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Pure Reason Revolution: Coming Up To ...
Pure Reason Revolution:
Coming Up To Consciousness
Alternative/Progressive Rock
4.0/5.0
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InsideOut Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 04.09.2024 | Released: 06.09.2024
Pure Reason Revolution returns with their sixth studio album, the third since regrouping several years ago, Coming Up To Consciousness. Jon Courtney (v,g,k) and Greg Jong (v,g) remain the core of the group. They welcome new vocalist Annicke Shireen, known for her work with Shireen and Heilung, who replaces Chloe Alper. Guy Pratt, who has worked with Pink Floyd, provides bass guitar on seven of the eight tracks. Ravi Kesavaram, of My Vitriol, returns to the drums on this record after touring with the band in 2022.
Pure Reason Revolution
Lyrically and emotionally, the music was inspired by recent events in Jon Courtney's life. The first tragedy was putting to sleep his seventeen year old dog, the impact of which he had underestimated. Jon comments: "There was a lot more grief than I expected. It created feelings of guilt and a sharp focus on death." Then came possible asbestos exposure. To this he adds, "I was emotionally unstable, I had this feeling that death was imminent, not just for me but for my family, and it was my fault. Soon after that, I was diagnosed with OCD and started seeing a therapist."
Exploring the album title, "Coming Up To Consciousness" relates to the line between dreaming and waking, which was also The Dark Third's theme. Jon explains the his creative process: "Dreams have always been an inspiration - that surreal connection will always be a thread throughout PRR - The name came from my first therapy sessions ... My therapist asked me to write down my dreams as I was coming up to consciousness, as well as what happened to me on the previous day. I've always been a scribbler, no one else can read my writing, but that phrase ended up getting underlined several times."
Musically, the album features PRR signature alternative prog sound: melancholic, emotional and moody themes wrapped in their atmospheric and ethereal arrangements featuring synth and guitar layers, deep bass lines, and poly-rhythmic drumming, all wrapped up in ethereal vocal harmony. I wouldn't call the music all that technical or complex, but there is this warmth and accessibility that engages the listener. The album structure begins with a prelude, then proceeds with one or two songs with quiet interludes in between. The lyrics were provided, which to me, seem to have meaning only to Jon Courtney, especially if they relate to his dreams or how he expresses his feelings about the aforementioned difficult events. Without some context or explanation, listeners might find them nonsensical. Nevertheless, I encourage readers to enjoy the collected videos with review and make their own conclusions.
A in all, Pure Reason Revolution's Coming Up To Consciousness is another foray into their alternative and progressive music which always emotional and melancholic, atmospheric and ethereal. If you're a fan of the band, then you'll enjoy the album immensely. If you're new to their music, check out the vids. Either way support the band. Recommended.
Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.
The Take Away
A in all, Pure Reason Revolution's Coming Up To Consciousness is another foray into their alternative and progressive music which always emotional and melancholic, atmospheric and ethereal. If you're a fan of the band, then you'll enjoy the album immensely. If you're new to their music, check out the vids. Either way support the band. Recommended.
Support the artist, click the link below to buy the album at Amazon (US site) in your favorite format.
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