02 PANIC ROOM

Riverside is a band that I discovered thanks to Prog Archives, I had read so many positive reviews about their first album Out Of Myself that I decided to check it out. From the very first moment I listened to their Heavy Prog I turned into a fan, I love that compelling and dynamic sound with the emotional vocals, heavy guitar riffs, propulsive rhythm-section, sumptuous keyboard layers and lots of tension. For me the successor Second Life Syndrome is one of the best progrock albums released in the last ten years so I was very curious about this EP, especially after reading the mixed opinions. Well, here is my musical vision about this EP.

1. 02 Panic Room (4:00) : This is the typical Riverside sound as I described in the intro featuring great dynamics and tension. The vocals sound quiet melancholic as if there is a lot of anger and despair under the surface. The final part delivers wonderful orchestral keyboard arrangements. 2. Lucid Dream IV (5:00) : A swinging rhythm with powerful bass runs, then a bombastic climate featuring lush organ waves and strong drumming, culminating in propulsive guitar riffs and sensational work on synthesizers, gradually becoming more fiery, very exciting! 3. Back to the River (5:00) : After a SF-like intro, we can enjoy sensitive electric guitarplay, supported by mellow organ, the atmosphere becomes more lush and suddenly ... there is the legendary guitarwork from Shine On Your Crazy Diamond, followed by a wonderful final part with howling guitar and a bombastic organ sound. 4. 02 Panic Room Remix (4:00) : This final piece contains a slow rhythm with melancholical vocals in a mellow climate, blended with lots of strange sounds, in the end we can enjoy warm acoustic guitar play.

It's not easy to return after making a brilliant album but I am very positive about Riverside after listening to this EP and I am looking forward to see this great Polish band on the Dutch Symforce Festival in Tilburg on September 15th! My rating 3,5 stars.