As a big fan of progressive rock, it's always a thrill to see artists of the meticulous genre bring out their latest work. Procol Harum are best known for their awesomely experimental track, A Whiter Shade of Pale. Whilst their later work has never been as iconic as their first, the new album is very promising indeed. With the first track, already there's a blues rock feel that is both old-fashioned in tone, but modern in perspective. The mix of instrument seems very inclusive and cooperative.
The second track, however, takes a completely different direction though (but not in a bad way). Last Chance Motel is more soft rock than usual, and gives lead singer Gary Brooker a chance to show off his breadth and skill. He's a natural rock singer, even in his later days - his voice is just as crisp and natural as it has always been. Alongside a catchy and rhythmic flow to the music, the second is genuinely lovely, with piano and guitar sharing the spotlight in the middle of the song. Use of synthesisers in the fourth track brings a modern take into the latest album, but it doesn't quite fit. This is mainly due to the fact that it sounds too similar to the last two tracks that have already played. This may be derivative of a lack of new ideas, but it doesn't help to inspire me to keep listening, after two fairly good tracks to start. Unfortunately, apart from a uneven tone in "Neighbour", the album can't get out of the repetitive wheel of blues rock. They are clearly enjoying making these tracks, but the variability is minimal. Even with Businessman, which has a great rhythm and a bridge that connects well to the chorus, it still remains familiar. It's sad considering how much talent there clearly is in this band, and how many wonderful compositions have come before this. Regardless, the guitar solo in Businessman is brilliant. Moving on to Can't Say That, however, now we have something different. You can already tell from the length of the track that there will be prog elements embedded within, but it's all prog rock. It's a neat track, with some inspire bass-playing, and cohesive musical interplay. There's even a hint of jazz in the self-indulgent mucking about towards the end of the track. It even ends perfectly, with a silent, yet beautiful guitar chord. The final two songs are more mournful than the rest of the album, and don't necessarily suit Brooker. As a pianist, however, it's ideal. But to end on this melancholy tone was an odd choice, and I don't think it will grab many listens. To be honest, I would've finished with Can't Say That as it has such a great ending. Comparatively speaking, the general idea of their new album is low-key, blues and soft rock, with a heavy concentration on retrospective, emotional tunes. It isn't always successful, but the musical capabilities of the band never falters in their attempt. But, above all else I recommend their new prog rock song, Can't Say That, it's undoubtedly a new gem from the famous Procol Harum! 6/10
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AuthorA very passionate Welsh nerd... Archives
October 2017
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