OUT OF MYSELF

Riverside have released some excellent albums in their short (so far) career, none better than their latest Anno Domini High Definition. Returning to their 2003 debut, Out Of Myself I'm reminded that it's a decent album showing potential for future greatness but ultimately it's nothing special.

Apart from the occasional moment there's not a lot of the prog metal they get characterised under. Think of a heavier version of the trippy psychedelia of early Porcupine Tree and a touch of Pink Floyd and you'll be nearer the mark. All too often the songs lock into a simplistic and repetitive groove, usually bass driven which after a while become a little monotonous, none more so than opener The Same River just making things a little predictable. The musical tension that they create on future albums is missing here. In Two Minds stands out as it offers something different. Building on an acoustic guitar intro, it's one of the strongest pieces melodically speaking.

Don't get me wrong though, Out Of Myself is not a bad album, far from it, just a little uninspiring. Nevertheless there are enough moments here that make you think they might be onto something. Of course time has proved they were. Here's a band finding their feet and learning their trade. 2 ½ stars.