Strength can be manifested in many different forms. From the most literal take on the subject of the physical act of lifting to something far re demanding, emotional strength. Resolving to carry on despite the passing of their friend and band member Piotr, Riverside rally together their collective musical strength to bring to the world their final release as a four piece. Presenting to us Eye Of The Soundscape it’s clear that Riverside will never truly be the same band again as we move into a new chapter in the band’s life cycle.
[tracklist]
Disc 1 :
- Where The River Flows
- Shine
- Rapid Eye Movement (2016 Mix)
- Night Session – Part One
- Night Session – Part Two
Disc 2 :
- Sleepwalkers
- Rainbow Trip (2016 Mix)
- Heavenland
- Return
- Aether
- Machines
- Promise
- Eye of The Soundscape
[/tracklist][details]
[length]102 : 00[/length]
[record_label]Inside Out Records[/record_label]
[release_date]October 21st 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
Released somewhat posthumously, the record embraces a side of the band that avid fans may well have been greeted with before. A compendium of material old and new, Eye of The Soundscape features entirely instrumental tracks. Not quite in the form that you would associate Riverside with. Instead more into a nuance of Tangerine Dream like vistas. Following from the metallic clang of “Shine” seeing Bass guitar somewhat take center stage among the samples, the follow up “Rapid Eye Movement (2016 Mix)” that brings a quality, treading a line between sweeping Sci-Fi and an influence from John Powell of The Bourne Identity. Creating percussive sounds in a somewhat unorthodox setting, the experimental tones create a sense of rhythm. Similarly explored in “Where The River Flows” whose tail end sees just Mariusz’s voice. After having been put together with some of Piotr’s final guitar leads makes for a suitably haunting piece.
Utilising simplistic structure at first hand, the songs are slowly layered until reaching their peak. A plentiful supply of material, excerpts taken from the final Love, Fear And The Time Machine sessions spanning all the way back in the band’s career. Opening the second portion of the disc sees the ethereal sounds of “Sleepwalkers“. Sounding similar to early Steven Wilson solo material before Mariusz’s throaty bass is brought into the mix temporarily. Sounding like the perfect soundtrack to accompany a Lasse Hoile gallery the tonalities recall a sense of isolation and non descript loneliness. The theme of anonymity explored further in the solemn, ever so slightly Sci-Fi eighties sounding “Return“. Creating a barren soundscape eventually punctuated by both rhythm and melody.
Once again similar sounds previously experimented with the “Aether” brings to mind the beginning of fan favourite “We Got Used To Us“. With most tracks lasting well over the five minute mark the amount of material presented on Eye Of The Soundscape enables for multiple unhindered listens. Recalling the style of Petar Dundov “Machines” moves the band into a more clear cut electronic setting. Recovering from an ordeal as life changing as the death of a band member, Riverside were never truly going to be the same again. Yet Eye Of The Soundscape proves that regardless of whatever state the band are in their genius is undefeated. Ebbing away once more title track and final Sefton of the album levels a lasting, alien atmosphere echoing the sense of isolation felt when losing some one that close to you. Showing a different side to the band might not appeal to everybody but utilising this time for healing, reflection and overall real recovery has seen Riverside go with the tide rather than against the current to release an experimental yet unmistakenably iconic album.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]If you’re a fan of the more Tangerine Dream – esque side of Prog then there will be hardly anything to whinge about. For those however who were expecting a “rock” album then look elsewhere. Though you would be missing out on some absolutely stunning musical views.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up a copy of the brand new album here!
