VERSIONS OF THE TRUTH

Versions of the Truth brings Pineapple Thief back in a more intimate package, giving us 10 lovely shorter and softer tracks. As a fan of their MAGNOLIA work, I think it was a nice change since the band works really well writing shorter and more catchier pieces. This might not be really a progressive album, though, but in other hand it is full of layers and interesting instrumental passages. The tracks features odd time signatures which is known from Gavin Harrison composition style, nice experimentation with guitar and keyboard sounds, as also with Gavin playing marimba in the title track and STOP MAKING SENSE.

The first four tracks became singles and are really strong ones melodically, and they have always an edge on the progressive side. Exception is Driving Like Maniacs, which unfortunately ends before you know it, but regardless, it's a really beautiful short ballad which exposes the crispy production and mixing of the whole album. Other highlights would be Leave Me Be, which is an instant TPT classic, Our Mire, which clocks at 7 minutes and has a very nice drumming from Gavin, but feels as tight as the other tracks, Out of Line, with great guitar passages and the closer The Game, with a very nice build-up in the end.

One of the greatest releases of this year, even though it divided fans and reviewers with this new direction. I would say this album is a sort of "grower", and the fans won't be disappointed after a few listens.

9/10.