This is the sixth studio from these British Prog icons. This album falls into the mid-period of the band, as the songs are a lot more concise and almost pop in places – even though the second half of this album is quite experimental. This is also the last album to feature drummer Chris Maitland, who was sacked before the recording of the next album when they brought in Gavin Harrison. What we have here is the Tonefloat version with the 3 extra tracks on Side 4.
Things start nicely with the title track – a very nice acoustic beginning before building into an almost psychedelic Pink Floyd style tune . How Is Your Life Today is up next, with a piano intro and a distant vocal – a very quirky tune again reminiscent of early Floyd until the harmonies start. The single Four Chords That Made a Million is next, which could have been mistaken for a Brit Pop tune has it does have that feel about it. Shesmovedon is next, which I do believe was also a single. It starts with a stripped down beginning until the band joins in to elevate it. It shows how radio in general just sticks to formats, and bands like PT don’t stand a chance of breaking through – even though there are elements to these tunes that the masses would love – if only they could hear them! The wonderfully titled Last Chance To Evacuate Planet Earth Before Its Recycled is next, and what a great song it is with a great sci-fi feel. Such beautiful melodies and instrumental grooves and absolute classic. The Rest Will Flow is the last of the tunes section of the album, again it starts with that stripped down style with a cool chorus. The amazing Hatesong is next, which is one of the best songs in the bands catalogue. A lot more experimentation is included with loops, guitar sounds, and a heavy groove – with distortion playing its part – plus a killer middle section. Where We Would Be follows, another acoustic driven tune. Then it’s on to the album’s monster track, Russia On Ice, weighing in at 13 minutes – it has become a classic of the genre. An absolute gem which builds and builds again – comparisons to Floyd are easy to identify. The album closes with Feel So Low with its almost lullaby start – a very melancholic song.
Now it’s onto the 3 bonus tracks which take up Side 4, the first of which is Disappear – another great song. Buying New Soul follows, and was a staple of the PT live set right up until they stopped. It’s another long song at over 10 minutes (I am guessing this is why it never made the album proper as it’s a great song). Which all brings us to the final track, Cure For Optimism. A very experimental piece with lots of programming and effects from Barbieri – before a more familiar acoustic vibe takes over.
A progressive album in every sense as it takes the listener to places they would not expect. Very Floyd in places, although not the Floyd you would expect, as that would come later with the Incident. This album does not disappoint.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
