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From what I understand, RPWL started
out as a Pink Floyd cover band. And through there are some
definate Floyd influences, RPWL avoid a lot of the 'clone
band' syndrome that surrounds a lot of 'retro' prog acts.
There are also a lot of alt-rock/modern styles with a dash
of psychedelia, Middle Eastern/ethnic textures, a hint of
Neo-prog and a vocalist who recalls Genesis-era Ray Wilson.
Maybe some Radiohead and Porcupine Tree as well, but all these
influences are swirled together into one musical soup rather
than stick out at overtly noticable angles. Pink Floyd is
barely a referrence point here, as they have a more modern
sound.
This seems to be a popular disc,
and for good reason. It's stuffed with some fine music and
has a life of its own, though the disc may be a tad lengthy.
There's a lot of attention to detail. RPWL will probably continue
to attract attention from the Insideout label fans. The tracks
are:
SLEEP:
Middle Eastern rhythms introduce
this track with a modern rock feel. Vocals enter a Lamb/Carpet
Crawlers type section in an otherwise alt-prog song.
START THE FIRE: A sorta late 90's
Marillion or Kino sound here. Moody and semi-mellow, but rocking
steady at the same time. Spunky organ solo reminds me of bits
from 'BRAVE' (Marillion).
EVERYTHING WAS NOT ENOUGH:
A ballad with alternative leanings
with a hint of Floyd, Kino, Beatles. Probably would have been
better shorter, but does include some nice instrumentation.
ROSES: When I first heard this
I noticed Ray Wilson right off the bat and wondered what Ray
was doing on this album, as I didn't know he was featured
as guest lead vocals on this track. This is a great track,
full of modern rock energy. This is the kind of thing Genesis
would probably have evolved into had they had the guts to
stick with Ray and continue into the new millenium.
LIGHTS:
More acoustic-based ballad one
with Floyd sound effects, moody mellotron sounds and 'moogy'
solo.
SEA-NATURE:
This one brings to mind solo Fish,
Steve Hackett's more vocal songs, and some psychedelia as
well. Ray Wilson could have handled this one too, though the
singer covers that Ray-sounding voice well. Tastefull synth
solos.
DAY ON MY PILLOW: More guitar-led
with a laid-back David Gilmour feel. The Pink Floyd flavor
continues through some Dark Side/Meddle styles towards the
end. This is the shortest track on the record. Think of 'Any
Colour You Like'.
WORLD THROUGH MY EYES:
Longest track here. There are some more Eastern rhythms/tablas
and psychedelic sounds again. Also a bit of newer Peter Gabriel
in there too.
WASTED LAND: Rhythm guitar is almost
80's-ish, maybe U2 or Duran Duran. Driving bass. Possibly
the most accessible track on this set as well.
BOUND TO REACH THE END: An obvious
album closer with a lot of atmosphere. Not sure what 'RPWL'
stands for, but fans of David Gilmour's vision of Pink Floyd
and modern rock take note, plenty of decent material here.
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