02 PANIC ROOM

This Riverside EP was released as pre-third band's studio album's teaser. From four songs one only (02 Panic Room) is presented on studio album. You will find there another version of it plus two more songs, possible only as part of this EP.

It's interesting, that worst song on this release is title song, 02 Panic Room. Bombastic, with heavy keyboards, melancholic and almost radio-friendly melody, this song is catchy, but too straightforward and simplistic to be tagged as prog rock. Its different version finishes release, and it is even more polished and electronics-influenced. Almost heavy version of Depeche Mode.

Happily, there are two more songs on this release." Lucid Dream IV" contains heavier drums and real metal guitars. Sound is quite complex and multilayered. Really strong Riverside composition.

"Back To The River" is release's highest point. Even if openly Pink Floyd-influenced, this song is one of great band's moment. Excellent guitar soloing and very PF-ish atmosphere. And the section of Shine On You Crazy Diamond is included in full!

I believe, that band's brightest moment is still on the way (best their album for me is ADHD, 2009), but without doubt on this EP Riverside shows their potential in full.

I think every Riverside fan must have this EP just because of two strong songs you can't find on any album. Alternatively, there exists Limited Edition of 2007 studio album with all this EP's songs as bonuses on separate CD.

My rating is 3,5, rounded to4.