TERMINAL BREATH (+ LIVE MUNICH 1996)

I wasn't expecting much with this album only because I knew that 3 of the 4 guys who started up the band RPWL were a part of this recording. And RPWL has never done much for me with that "Momentary Lapse Of Reason" style of PINK FLOYD music. After one listen to this though and i'm thinking this is pretty good, and well it's just gotten better after that. I'm a fan of good Neo-Prog music and this definetly fits that description with the excellent vocals and guitar. Also that emotional element that I love so much about great Neo bands is here.

"Lustreless Fright" opens with someone changing stations on the radio then the music takes over with acoustic guitar and vocals. A beat follows then electric guitar. A guitar solo after 3 minutes. It picks up before 4 1/2 minutes and the synths roll in. It blends into "Ego (The Hidden One)" where vocals are added quickly in this short one minute piece. "Anguish Of A Scoundral" starts with guitar, synths and a beat. Great sound here.Vocals and a more powerful sound a minute in. Emotion right here as the contrasts continue. Love this song. It blends into "Hommage To The Irretrievably Lost" which builds with drums before settling back when the vocals arrive before 2 minutes. Huge bass lines 3 1/2 minutes in. Cool sound here. It turns fuller after 5 minutes then settles back again with more chunky bass.

"Assurance" is laid back with reserved vocals. It starts to pick up before 2 minutes without vocals.Vocals are back 5 1/2 minutes in. "Together We Fall" is a good instrumental that kicks in rather heavily with synths then guitar playing over top. Great tune. "Necessary Goodbyes" is mellow as the vocals join in. It starts to pick up at 1 1/2 minutes. It's heavier a minute later and I like the synths that follow. "Age Theme" sounds really good with that beat and atmosphere. "The Age" is very 80's sounding Neo-Prog.Yes it's fantastic ! It's catchy with vocals.We get funny sample after 2 minutes. "Down And Away" opens with the guitar soaring then it settles with vocals.The tempo picks up around 5 minutes but not for long as the guitar soars again. Great sound before 6 1/2 minutes. Soaring guitar again 8 minutes in then it turns spacey 9 1/2 minutes in to end it.

This will fit in well with my other Neo-Prog favs. Easily 4 stars.