RAPID EYE MOVEMENT

Our Polish rockers are back to finish off what they started 4 years ago, namely the Reality Dream trilogy. When a band starts their career with something this ambitious and they actually succeed in doing so, you know they are something. Firstly, I'd like to say just how much I love the artwork, the best so far in my opinion. This just adds my excitement to listen to it, this is going to be another masterpiece, I'm sure of it.

Well, after some serious long listening session, it is not quite (and this coming from a diehard Riverside fanboy). So, what's wrong with it? Nothing really, just too much expectation from a band that released two flawless albums!

The opener, Beyond the Eyelids, serves up some classic Riverside sound. Moody powerful bass and catchy, aggressive riffs come to mind. Easily one of the highlights of this release and one that would seamlessly fit in either one of the earlier albums.

The next two tracks (Rainbow Box & 02 Panic Room) just don't seem that particularly brilliant. Not that they are bad or anything, just not up to par when compared to the awesome opener.

After that, things look better. Schizophrenic Prayer, Parasomnia and my favourite track from REM, Through the Other Side provide some respite from pounding on the ears by the heavier tracks and show the other mellower, more emotional side of Riverside though not sacrificing their edginess.

They seemed to take things too far with Embryonic however, which sounded not as inspired (and frankly a little too slow and boring) and what I consider as the weakest track of the album. Cybernetic Pillow gave a much needed freshness and prepared the listener to another amazing piece - Ultimate Trip. I'm glad they chose this to end the album and the trilogy. Personally, it summarizes the amazing journey that I went through from Out of Myself up to this point and I find myself reminiscing all the listening pleasures I had all this time (especially right at the end when the static comes).

In conclusion, Rapid Eye Movement is a solid 4 star album whose shine is unfortunately is somewhat dimmed by the comparison with their earlier albums. On its own, it's definitely a cracker with many brilliant moments with a few not so impressive ones, and I must stress it is only a few. Thank you Riverside for your music, my life has not been quite the same since!