NTTR - No Time to Review

A solid and atmospheric progressive rock album, with excellent musicianship and some enjoyable instrumental passages, but one that feels a little too predictable and lacks enough memorable melodies. Far and Wide sees The Pineapple Thief continuing their familiar combination of melancholic vocals, atmospheric guitars and progressive arrangements, with a slightly heavier and more direct approach. The production is clear and detailed, and Gavin Harrison's drumming remains one of the band's strongest assets, bringing interesting rhythmic variations to otherwise fairly straightforward compositions. “Scattering Like Flies” is my favourite track. I particularly enjoy its gradual development, the contrast between the quieter passages and the heavier sections, and the way the instruments interact throughout the composition. The atmosphere works well, and the arrangement has enough variation to remain interesting without becoming unnecessarily complicated. “God Knows” is another good t...

An ambitious and atmospheric electronic concept album, with beautiful orchestral arrangements and some genuinely moving moments, although the spoken narration occasionally takes too much space away from the music. A Man from the Future is a musical biography of Alan Turing, originally composed for the BBC Proms in 2014 and now reworked with a stronger electronic approach. The combination of synthesizers, strings, choir and Juliet Stevenson's narration creates something quite different from a conventional Pet Shop Boys album. It's closer to a modern oratorio, with eight compositions following the different stages of Turing's life. “The Enigma” is my favourite track. I particularly enjoy its electronic rhythms, the gradual development of the arrangement and the sense of tension created by the synthesizers and orchestral elements. It's one of the moments where the music takes a more prominent role, combining the duo's familiar electronic sound with a more cinematic a...

An enjoyable classic rock album with some ambitious arrangements, excellent guitar work and a few strong melodies, although the songwriting and theatrical vocals occasionally become a little excessive. Palace for the People sees Greta Van Fleet expanding their seventies-inspired rock sound with orchestral arrangements, acoustic passages and more progressive structures. The Led Zeppelin influences remain obvious, but the band introduces enough variety to make the album interesting, moving between energetic hard rock, atmospheric ballads and longer compositions. “Saw You Stand” is my favourite track. I particularly enjoy its emotional atmosphere, the gradual development of the arrangement and the way the guitars support the melody. The orchestral elements add some depth without becoming overwhelming, and Josh Kiszka's expressive vocals work particularly well in this more restrained context. It's one of the moments where the band's dramatic approach genuinely serves the song...

A powerful and enjoyable modern metalcore album, with some excellent riffs, catchy choruses and interesting electronic elements, even if the songwriting occasionally follows familiar formulas. Landfall sees Wage War returning to a heavier sound after STIGMA , while retaining the melodic choruses and electronic influences of their recent material. The production is massive, with aggressive guitars, powerful breakdowns and an effective contrast between Briton Bond's screams and Cody Quistad's clean vocals. “Landfall” is my favourite track. I particularly enjoy its threatening introduction, the heavy guitar riffs and the contrast between the aggressive verses and the melodic chorus. The song has a great sense of energy, with some effective changes in intensity and a powerful arrangement that makes it an excellent opener. “Sweet Dreams” is another highlight, combining heavy guitars with a particularly catchy chorus. “Silk” brings a more chaotic approach, with interesting rhythmic...

An enjoyable blues-rock album with some good riffs, strong vocals and a warm, natural production, although the songwriting remains a little too conventional to really stand out. Eight years after their previous studio album, The Temperance Movement return with New Promise Land Incorporated , produced by Ethan Johns. The album has a raw, organic sound, with bluesy guitars, a solid rhythm section and Phil Campbell's distinctive, soulful vocals. There's a clear seventies influence throughout, particularly from bands like Free, the Rolling Stones and The Black Crowes. “Eat You Alive” is my favourite track. I particularly enjoy its energetic guitar riff, driving rhythm and direct approach. It's short, powerful and doesn't waste time with unnecessary developments. The vocal performance is excellent, and the whole song has an infectious energy that makes it one of the most immediately enjoyable moments on the album. “Silverlight Blues” is another highlight, with its country-b...

An ambitious and unusual symphonic black/death metal album, with some fascinating atmospheres and creative arrangements, but also a tendency to become unnecessarily complicated and exhausting. Annochiül Xar Sorthïlazur continues Esoctrilihum's exploration of extreme metal, combining aggressive guitars, blast beats, orchestral arrangements and unconventional vocals. The symphonic elements are particularly prominent this time, giving the music an almost operatic dimension that makes the album quite distinctive. “Hèzykhäwl, Dravil Harpzg hül Ab Castox Ularüs” is my favourite track. I particularly enjoy the contrast between its heavier sections and the more atmospheric passages. The orchestral arrangements add some interesting textures, and the longer structure allows several ideas to develop without feeling quite as chaotic as on some of the other tracks. “Shaog, Imperium Byzaaryx Nocruv Az Inculus Ezhialh” is an impressive opener, although its thirteen minutes are sometimes difficu...