PRETENDING 2 RUN

While having more then 20 years in the back, the TILES core consists of real prog veterans, that exactly would be Chris Herin (guitar, keys), Mark Evans (drums) and Paul Rarick (vocals) as the three founding members. And additionally Jeff Whittle (bass), joining in 1997 regarding the recording process of their second album 'Fence The Clear' at the latest. 'Pretending 2 Run' is spanning two CD's with a running time of nearly 100 minutes, comes as another 2016 album yet which is provided with inspiration and much variety.

After eight years of a break time, hibernation, preparation, or whatever you might imagine, there is still a rather heavy rock fundament to state as usual. The quartet have invited a lot of guests on diverse instruments and for some additional vocal support. TILES' approach to develop unusual, tricky and slightly crazy compositions, should be appreciated at all costs. I mean, they even could be booked for a funeral with good will. No problem, somebody will be accompanied to his last Refugium by use of a somewhat dark mooded anthem.

CD 1 marks the album's highlight in its entirety. Wow, this stuff is something special, not lurking around every corner, so to speak. Starting with the title track we are moving along a string of pearls right here. Exemplarily representing my personal impressions let me emphasize the lovely violin passages on Stonewall. With Drops Of Rain the band supplies a very enchanting and catchy composition. Furthermore you'll be always Taken By Surprise when they are rrrrrocking the house with much power and finesse.

Considering that CD 2 is consisting of several fillers, it probably would have been more comfortable to compress the production. A minor issue though, this will not depreciate the other high quality material in any way. Midwinter at least resides as a very very fine exemplar, especially Ian Anderson rules with his flute. Issued on the wellknown label The Laser's Edge this also reminds me of the current Zip Tang album somehow as for the basic attitude. Hey, taken by surprise, Detroit is not far away from Chicago! Eh, does that matter? Anyway, my verdict, this one deserves to be part of a well-sorted prog rock collection.