We haven't talked nearly enough about this band. I'm very conscious of my tendency to get all evangelical when I hear something I really like. I've tried to hold back but it's no use...so there's the 'soap box' warning for those wish to tune out now...or be ready with a giant pinch of salt.
When I began my typically belated foray into the field of contemporary prog' (embarrassingly recently)...I was pleasantly surprised by Porcupine Tree and The Pineapple Thief, very impressed by Steven Wilson's recent stuff and the Lifesigns debut, and blown away by Crippled Black Phoenix.
Riverside's 'New Generation Slaves' however, is not merely 'stupendous,' as per my initial verdict. It is a modern masterpiece. It has been in near uninterrupted play on my car stereo now for three weeks...and my enjoyment is yet to wane by the tiniest degree.
Every note, every lyric, every instrumental, every technological audio effect, every PP and every FF have been deployed - it seems to me - with optimum craftsmanship. There are more hooks than you'll find in a sizeable curtain shop, tracks that grab you instantly and others that work on you more subtly. I now love each and every one, but oh how I would love to see two in particular - 'Deprived' and the second bonus track 'Night Sessions 2' performed live.
Haven't bought the rest of their stuff yet - it really can't be as good as this one, can it? If it is, that's me sorted indefinitely.
In summary then - I like it a lot, and that man Akko has now acquired God-like status in my eyes. Cannot thank him enough.
