VARIATIONS ON A DREAM

I feel sorry for this, but I can't avoid to speak of ''Radiohead'' while listening to this PT album. Same sort of languishing vocals, same type of tranquil rock music, which is by the way pretty decent and fine to listen to.

This record lacks probably in variety, but so were their previous works as well. Some highlights or songs that I prefer amongst the other ones : ''Run Me Through''. Even if it sounds somewhat pop; it is more positive, more vibrant. Especially during the closing guitar break.

But this album is a fine way throughout melancholy (''The Bitter Pill'') and deserves a listening. Don't look for complexity, nor to too much prog in here. This is not what it is. A good rock album, with a mid tempo global mood. ''Sooner Or Later'' is also a good tune IMO (but quite in line with their overall production).

The structure of some tracks (the longer ones), is more elaborate: ''Part Zero'' is my fave of the whole: a sustained intro, some subtle acoustic guitar to go along the vocals and the fine melody are really catchy items. They should head more towards this type of composition. Very good song indeed.

Same sort of comments apply to the epic ''Remember Us''. Some sixteen minutes trip into the PT universe. It has it all what you can expect from the band. A excellent way to close this good album although the noisy and uninspired middle part (some might say ''avant-garde'') could have been avoided.

Three stars.