Hard to truly pin point, memory is an abstract theme. Something that no matter the catalyst will never change the perception of the person or object you share the memory with. A time capsule of the mind if you will. Triggered by the act of familiarity instantly transports you back to the days of yesteryear.
[tracklist]
1. Lost (Why Should I Be Frightened Of A Hat)
2. Under The Pillow
3. #Addicted
4. Caterpillar And The Barbed Wire
5. Saturate Me
6. Afloat
7. Discard Your Fear
8. Towards The Blue Horizon
9. Time Travellers
10. Found (The Unexpected Flaw Of Searching)
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]60:00[/length]
[record_label]Inside Out[/record_label]
[release_date]September 4th 2015[/release_date]
[/details]
Returning this year we take yet another look through the looking glass of Polish Prog masters Riverside. Releasing their brand new album Love, Fear and The Time Machine we see the band go a slightly different direction as they begin their next journey travelling through the maudlin states of memory.
Often when looking back to the past the exact details might be hazy but the overall feel of the emotion will stay with you no matter what. Bearing this in mind we begin our nostalgic trip with the subtle organ of “Lost (Why Should I Be Frightened of A Hat?)” the relaxed introduction of an organ nurtures us into the world of Love,Fear and The Time Machine.
Instead of the likes of classic Progressive Metal heavy weights Dream Theater where much of the focus is on impeccable musicianship, Riverside take a more minimalist approach. Incorporating simple melodies that build up over time giving the song an incredibly climactic feel when finally it gets to pinnacle. “Caterpillar And The Barbed Wire” is a prime example, with the bass line caught in a loop, lead guitars are introduced to carry the main melody before the addition of synthesisers and various other effects before there is more harmonising on top of the previous instruments. Second track “Under The Pillow” again follows this formula where we see the song slowly mature until its conclusion.
Entrenched in the era of both 70’s and 80’s Prog, the record blurs the distinct timelines of the two eras successfully . Helped by delay pedals and carefully arranged keyboards embeds an air of romantic happiness in the tracks.”Saturate Me” whilst being one of the more energetic tracks on the album retains that sepia tinged dewy eyed outlook. With much of the songs containing minimal instrumentation the production ensures that each instrument exists of its own accord, the bass tones in particular on “Discard Your Fear” are pitch perfect along with the skilfully placed guitar lines.
Seemingly blurring into one, memory seems to be paramount on the delivery and most importantly understanding of Riverside’s new record. From what I could gather the beautiful soft spoken words of Mariusz Duda revolves around a story of lovers who are homesick from their past. This sense of longing masterfully brought to the fore in the execution of final tracks “Towards The Blue Horizon” featuring a beautiful Spanish guitar, along with the Floydian “Time Travellers“.
Like a smell that rouses the senses, the element that immediately causes you to day dream of times now long gone. Love, Fear and The Time Machine is just that. Encapsulating the nostalgic air of a time once lost when listening to the record you’ll relish in the sounds yet when it’s over it will merely be a hazy souvenir from your visit beckoning for a revisit. A postcard from the future to the past Love, Fear and the Time Machine is a sentimental encapsulation of memory in its purest form.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]A beautiful record that brings sentimentality to the foreground putting musicianship firmly in the corner. A promenade in the lane of recollection that will have you coming back for more the rest of this year.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up Riverside’s brand new album here!
