Another set of soundly structured songs from TNAFKAPOB.
Yes, it's the Norwegian artists formerly known as Pedestrians Of Blue. Now known by yet another misnomer, Slaves To Fashion. Still, a rose by any other name . . .
As POB, they released the critically acclaimed
'Crossing Over' in 2007.
It was an outstanding debut, bringing together elements of MHR, Progrock and Melodic metal to create a fresh, exciting, contemporary rock chemistry.
This release - a taster for the next studio album - comprises 3 new tracks and a remix of
'The Garden', one of the standout cuts from '
Crossing Over'.
'Mrs Hero' and
'Left Out In The Cold' are clearly the votewinners.
Both are commercially inclined, chart aimed blends of catchy, crowdpleasing progrock and riffy, darkly hued melodic rock.
The remix of '
The Garden' shows the band to be astute, imaginative arrangers and producers, putting a contemporary spin on a traditional progrock sound.
'Out Of Here' closes out this quartet, not with a bang, neither with a whisper but with a lingeringly romantic melody line. The arrangement - sub gothic minimalism - could easily have undersold the song's subtle emotions, but the band's haunting, elemental harmonies provide just the right counterweight.
With this taster, STF demonstrate that a sophisticated marriage of melodic rock and of prog rock can radiate warmth and light, and need not rely on cold, technical precision or serpentine arrangements.
And as with all tasters that meet their objectives, our appetite is whetted and we are left wanting for more.
Roll on the full album.
Written by
Brian Wednesday, December 30, 2009
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