New musical direction
346933
I love it!  I was NOT expecting the musical style when I first popped in the CD but it continues to blow me away.  I agree with the reviewer that said that this was Derek's best since "she must and shall go free".  The songs are amazing, refreshing, honest and GROOVY!  The synth hooks at the end of track 2 KILL ME!  So cool!  Get this album!  FYI, I believe you have to buy the album directly from Derek at [...] if you want the track "what matters more".  That track is a must have.
grace and peace,  jimmy
4072393
This latest offering from RPWL while very good, has really signaled a departure from their previous sound.  In my past reviews I have compared them to Pink Floyd, not so much as a clone but with definitely a similar style and sound.

"Beyond Man and Time" really moves away from PF comparisons and begins to establish a more unique sound. While I can't really say that they have streamlined their sound as they still have the same elements, they have stripped out some of the more atmospheric qualities and gone with a more straight forward sound. Guitars become more prevalent, keyboards are a bit more robust and the sound is not quite as laid back anymore. This could all be due to an infusion of new members. Only Yogi Lang (vocals) and Kalle Wallner (guitar) remain. (Not too sure how long they can keep the name RPWL as they are now just WL) I do not want to scare people away saying they have become a pop band. They have not. They can probably still be classified as Neo-Prog but their sound is definitely becoming more main stream. Personally, I can now hear a little U2 or REM influence. Some say Porcupine Tree (maybe "Stupid Dream") but they really do not have that much of an edge.  I can imagine that this new style will find a broader audience.

There is a lot of music on this CD clocking in at around 73 minutes. Song lengths are quite varied but seldom top the seven minute mark, with only a few exceptions: one being the remarkable "The Fisherman" which at 16:18 combines a bit of an early Genesis feel, along with a little taste of the Pendragon/Arena style keyboard sound.
Songs such as "We Are What We Are" and "Unchain the Earth" will sink an "ear worm" into your brain because the refrains are incredibly catchy and dare I say it "singable"  (If there such a word)  These songs could be instant hits on American FM radio if it had any taste or programming creativity what so ever. To be honest, I doubt you will hear them on satellite either because there appears to be no satellite station billed as "Good, creative, music from bands most people have never heard of before". All other songs are still excellent, intelligent, and skillfully delivered. There really is not a looser in the bunch. If anyone out there knows where I can listen to bands such as Porcupine Tree, The Flower Kings, RPWL, Kaipa, and the like (besides Pandora) please comment. (I suppose there could be licensing issues with their music.)

Why only a four star rating? First, they can't ALL be 5 stars, and 4 stars is still a really, really good "buy it" rating. While they are still a remarkable band, I do miss the old sound a bit. While I still love this CD I have to admit that I do not like it quite as much as their previous offerings so I must take it down one notch. Still, besides Sylvan, I cannot think of a better band hailing from Germany than RPWL.
If you are looking for a recommendation for their earlier works I would highly recommend either "Trying To Kiss The Sun" or "The World Through MY Eyes", which is high on every RPWL fan's list. But by no means should you pass this one up.
476446
Maurizio Pustianaz

[...]

Empire State Human never ending evolution has always been evident. If they started with their mixture of 80's synthpop and electropop, with the new album CYCLES they reached a new starting point into their musical career. The tracks of the CD go beyond the simple synthpop genre: the main thing that make me say this, it's their new approach to sounds. Analog sounds or direct references to '80s bands partially left the place for new sounds and songs. Yes, Empire State Human grew and their music could be taken as an electronic answer to rock music (see their version of The Cult's "The witch"). Respect the old albums there's a cenrtain lounge approach to music. Some aspects have been dilated and the three minutes limit of the classic song have been dismantled (see the opening "Easy colour" which is six minutes long or "This is how you disappear" which is five minutes long). The songs sound pop but the structure is at the track's service and for this reason there's no need to do an album made of three minutes sinlges. Also musically Empire State Human made me remember what Heaven 17 did with electronic music and funk: it's like the band is doing the same with electronic, techno, trance and pop. It's like you're listening an updated version of synthpop where the reference points have slightly changed. Aidan's voice is particular as always and for the first time guitars have been used (on "This is how you disappear" and on the closing "They live by night"). Check out Empire State Human's new sound...
3352300
They certainly look different and the gentlemen from Management certainly sound different from most as well. Two that they do bring to mind are Pink Floyd and The Flaming Lips. It's a trippy sound that is good to mellow out to while you are just chilling though I wouldn't want to get on the excerise bike to their strains.  I'm sure they would be happy to do nearly as well as either the aformentioned bands and I'm sure they will be around for a few more albums yet.
1588109
A lot of fans question this album and the direction the band seems to take on this one as compared to thier previous releases. The bottom line is, that this is an amazing album with a tremendous mix of acoustic and  electric guitar rock. The riffs are terrfic and the drumming is very solid,  with one song that really spotlights that instrument. The vocals are just  spectacular and very strong. Overall, this album does seem to be diferent  for this band, but it is a fresh new direction for them and showcaes their  growth and diversity in musical style. I Love it and strongly recommend it.  If you really love great melodic rock, you will not be disappointed with  this album.
1215060
I was really excited to hear that the Head and the Heart had a new album coming out. Their last album was a classic that I still play over and over. But, like many other indie folk bands, their latest effort feels like they moved closer to pop music (reminds me of Delta Spirit). This album doesn't feel as lyrically driven as the last album and it tends to focus on riff's and hooks. It perhaps is missing a lot of the heart that made their music so good. I'm extremely hopeful that they can get back to making deep music with heart.
1830504
This album is beautifully produced and the music is incredible. I find myself listening to the songs over and over and continuously hearing new things with every listen. I strongly encourage you to give it a listen. Although it is different from their previous works, I believe it to be a more grown up sound that the experienced listener will thoroughly enjoy :) Great work on this guys!!!
3869091
This album is touted to have a more "grass-roots" sound with no synthesizer.  In theory this is a good plan considering the band is going through a new phase after a grieving Neil Peart returns to the scene to reform with Geddy and Alex.  What was the plan?  To return to the basics and experiment with their sound after a long hiatus.  Welcome back, Neil!
What went right?  The instruments are solid.  Without the synthesizer, you might expect the sound of their debut album  -- but with a far more talented drummer and more experienced musicians in general! Instead it sounds reasonably different from their other works, showing that the band continues to evolve.  The album has a great concept centered around tarot cards and their expression of life's conflicts and achievements.
What went wrong?  I found three things about this album that left me disappointed.  First, the recording quality is hideous.  It cuts out on the highs and lows.  I question whether the recordings are pure digital.  What happened here?  Next, though I love Geddy's unique vocals, I've noticed that on most of their later recordings, his vocals permeate the tracks to distraction.  Music sounds best to me when the vocals fade for a while and allow the music some time to change and breathe.  Finally, by cutting out the synthesizer completely the music cannot attain the exploratory sound of 'Xanadu,' 'The Trees,' 'Natural Science,' or 'The Camera Eye.'  I'm sure Rush has already considered this, and maybe they'll return to it after a few more albums when they can trust their creative instincts to master the technology as they've done time after time in their career.
It's not one of their untouted masterpieces, but it is still solid.
4172950
A dramatic shift from their last album, I still found many of the songs on 'Tales for Bad Girls,' undeniably charming. They are catchy and upbeat, but the vocalist holds her style regardless, sounding softer in comparison to normal leading ladies of this emerging European pop metal scene. It is a mix of the old and the new to me. She has a soothing lullaby voice that is better fit for gothic gloom but still shines here.

The song titles are absurd and the lyrics leave a lot to be desired. Reading some of them left me cringing. The writer in me was disappointed, but Tales for Bad Girls is meant to be heard, not read.

So, the copyright infringement aside (something I did not know about before ordering), I recommend this album to fans of symphonic metal. Just do not expect a Tristania-esque bout of that dreariness we all love.
4102821
Let me start by saying I really enjoy Field Music.  They are very creative and bring an almost Progressive (think Gentle Giant) flavor to their musical approach.  This is not Progressive Rock but it is Pop influenced by it.

Plumb takes a little getting used to.  Short tracks with a concept or theme.  If you listen with the expectation of stand-out tracks, you may be disappointed.  There are a couple, but this album has to be taken as a whole.  This is a different listening experience from their previous albums.

In short, I like the album, but I prefer their earlier work.  I will say that this is the kind of album that might grow on me with repeated listens.

If you are just getting into Field Music, I'd recommend their previous (Measure) as the place to start.  Then pick up the earlier titles and then this one if you have become a "Subscriber".
4857400
This is such a refreshing direction for BTBAM.  Tommy has stated evolution is a must, and Coma Ecliptic moves in a direction that I personally love.  BTBAM incorporates so many styles that appeal to a diverse group, and I have always preferred the progressive side and more of the clean vocals.  I am glad they took the risk, and I believe their stylistic change is for the better.  Other artists that have really changed their sound, Opeth and Devin Townsend for example, did not seem to elevate the excitement and dynamics of the music IMO.  Alternatively, Meshuggah (another favorite of mine), has not really evolved much at all since Nothing in 2002.
While CE is not as technical as previous works, it surprisingly does not leave me missing their level of tech I have come to love.  The composition, melody, production, mood and diversity more than make up for it.  This is such a fun, immersive record that I will be listening to daily for quite some time.  Do your self a favor and order this now!!
85737
Paging Mr Proust is a good new album by the Jayhawks. About 7-8 songs in this album range from  good to great, the rest are so so and one song is quite jarring to the ears.  While this album  is not in the league of their  with Hollywood Town hall, Tomorrow the Green Grass, Sound of Lies ( this album is a grower, an uncanny masterpiece  ) or Rainy Day Music, it is certainly better than their last album The Mockingbird Time . Musically The Jayhawks changed quite a lot since their alt country pinnacle and under  Gary Louris,  the band became more adventurous ( something like Wilco) without losing its  melody. But now their some of their music has become  more moody, less hooky  and has much more distortion( For example the song "Ace" from this album is  almost unlistenable ). This change is sometimes jarring  to my ears , since I rate this band as one of the best ever in  (alt) country rock  with some of the best harmonies that I heard .It is good to be adventurous and evolve musically,  but too much of a  change takes out  the sheen. Had they controlled the experimentation, this album could  have been at par with their uncanny Sound of Lies album) .
1181954
I like the direction DAngelo went with this.
Much different content and sound from both Brown Sugar and Voodoo, but still a nice progression. This is definitely a refreshing listen compared to the rest of the generic music landscape.
4858961
They have reached a new level of musicianship. Excellent!
1696257
Here it is at last. The highly anticipated new cd from The Gathering!
No doubt this new release was very important for the band to prove they can carry on just fine without their former singer. Did they succeed?

Well, to be honest, yes and no. Overall I find this to be an "okay" album. The new singer is proficient enough, but lacks a little in comparison to the former The Gathering singer Anneke (which is understandable given how great Anneke is).

There are some really nice songs on here that I find to be moving and fairly solid. This is a little more guitar driven than the last cd "Home", but by no means is it very heavy at all. The songs seem like a natural progression from "Home" and if you liked that last album you'll find something to like on The West Pole also.

But there are several songs on here that to me seem boring and uninspired. Almost like they didn't really know what direction to take some of the songs, so they just kind of dragged them out in a repetitive way. It's difficult for me to find a strong desire to restart the cd again unless for the reason of seeing if I can try to like it more. Perhaps with more time it will grow on me some.

My personal hunch is that their former singer Anneke also contributed her own ideas and parts to the song making process on previous Gathering albums. Whereas this time, the band was left to do it all on their own without Anneke's help, and then just have the new singer sing the parts assigned to her. So they lost a strong creative force in the band and I think it shows.

By no means is this a "bad" album. It's good, just not great, and to me doesn't feel very much inspired. Still, if your a long time fan of The Gathering like me and want their new works then feel free to get it. You'll for sure enjoy 3-4 of the songs on here, maybe more.
3612220
Their revision of "Full On Night" is hopefully indicitave of a new direction.  To me it's like a combination of previous Rachel's material as well as a more edgy Godspeed You Black Emperor (Slow Riot...) feel,  while still also incorporating more of a free-fusion jazz element (think of  the Jaco Pastorius, Bruce Ditmas, Pat Metheny and Paul Bley collaboration).  As for the Matmos material--reminds me slightly of Autechre's EP7 but with  more of the typical DAT tape frittery associated with "glitch"  groups... nothing special but obviously worth a listen!  Anyway this disc  is worth picking up just for "Full On Night"!
436197
congratulations is mgmt's attempt to broaden their musical reach, some apparently don't like that, but to me it is a step forward in maturity. their first album was amazing and easy to access, there were easier songs to sing to along and you could put it on at a party and everyone would like it basically. if you put this album on people may think their listening to a remastered cd of a band from the late 60's or early 70's, which to me isn't a bad thing. in fact i put the cd on my computer and after the last track ended the beatle's "ticket to ride" came on and i almost thought they had recorded a cover of it! i rated this album a 4 star because i think they can do better, this isn't their masterpiece and neither was o.s.

this album isn't trying to capture the radio listeners that just downloads the released singles off itunes, its trying to be itself and move away from their past and send the band forward in their musical output. mgmt is going to make the music they want to and if you only like songs that the music industry tells you is cool, you can still like this album, just try something that you may not be used to. this album is a mix of post touring beatles, berlin era bowie, and pre meddle era floyd (just a tad), and if you like that stuff you'll really like this album. congratulations on moving forward and maturing mgmt, i look forward to your next album!