THE SYSTEM OF EVENTS

Crystal Palace has a curious career trajectory, only beginning to hit their stride 20 years into existence. The System of Events is better than 2010's Reset, but pales in comparison with 2016's Dawn of Eternity. Songs are good, but aren't as dynamic or flashy, often consisting of lengthy passages in one style before going into another mood, rather than dynamically shifting their sound. There are several faces of neo-prog on display here. A darker, more heavy and electronic one, like Porcupine Tree (but with better singing). But also happier, moderately bombastic and mellower kind that fellow Germans RPWL play (indeed, their players are featured here). I hate to ape other reviewers by bringing those band comparisons, but they are pretty accurate here. Three and a half stars.