Some
albums are challenging to review. RPWL's new album "Wanted" is certainly one of
these. It actually sparked a discussion on my Facebook page "The PROG Mind"
about the ultimate meaning of lyrics and about how a reviewer should consider
them. More on that later.
RPWL have
so much personality. Their music definitely leans on Pink Floyd stylistically,
but I don't feel that they are derivative or a clone.
Their music,
while built on a specific foundation, is lively, varied, and extremely
interesting. The music gets your attention so well through layers and layers of
different sounds. In fact, on first listen to "Wanted", I was immediately
gripped.
The band mixes
a Gilmour-esque guitar structure with awesome bass lines and equally awesome
keys. Kalle Wallner on guitar is magical with his excellent solos and his
driving, distorted licks. Werner Taus on bass is perfect with his funky and
truly inventive bass grooves. His rhythms work their way in and out of the music
with wonderful results. Yogi and Markus on keys are probably my favorite,
though. The keys range from awesome synth and organ to piano and electronic
passages. The keys not only provide atmosphere and solos, but they are
also a method of transition between sections. There are loads of sound effects
present, too, that I personally like. I'm not sure what others think of sound
effects in the music, but I find they create a unique and memorable experience.
The rest of the band are excellent, as well. Marc Turiaux on drums may be the
unsung hero here, though. His excellent rhythms and fills complete and drive the
music well. Yogi on vocals has a mellow voice, delicate and rather emotional,
too. His message that he is pushing is definitely felt from his heart.
The
music, in a nutshell, is like Pink Floyd on steroids and with a funky pop twist.
It's rather upbeat at points, dark in others, and definitely features a
progression from dark to almost atmospherically light. It's as if the end of the
album represents an epiphany musically. I really like the thought put into this
structure and into the personal touches and subtleties that stand out throughout
the album.
Lyrics
are important to me, though. I can't rate an album without first understanding
and considering the lyrics and their content. However, I also realize that
lyrics represent their writers' thoughts and ideas, and I have respect for
differing views. Again, however, as a critic, it's my job to provide
information. "Wanted" is basically about the paradise and unity that would
result if religion were to be eradicated. Religion is seen an illusion, and
those that adhere to it as blind, intolerant sheep. Now, I'm not going to go
into this, even though I could. But, I will say that the lyrics are very well
written. They are challenging and written in a mature manner. I respect that.
But, in my opinion, they are ultimately uninformed about history and reality.
Overall,
though, this album is excellent. No, it's more than excellent. It's stunning.
The musical personality on display here is top tier, as are the composition
skills and execution. The band is certainly playing like a well-oiled machine,
full of ideas and out-of-the-box thinking. This album is one of the first
must-hear albums of 2014.
