OUT OF MYSELF

Until somewhat recently, I was not familiar with Riverside. Sure, I heard the name, and a very good friend of mine is a Riverside fanatic, but I did not really delve too deep into their music. However, when that same friend of mine sent me "Out of Myself," I was hooked, albeit a few in-depth listens later (it seems to be something that grows on you, but grows quickly).

My first reaction upon being hooked: "This is amazing! I wonder how their earlier stuff sounds." You could imagine my surprise when I discovered that "Out of Myself" is, in fact, their debut album. Seldom have I heard such a strong first album. Usually, bands go one of two ways. Either they begin with a relatively weak debut and gradually work their way into a signature sound that they become famous for, or they start out strong but gradually go downhill afterward. From what I hear of Riverside, their tendencies for quality music remain consistent. Not only that, but their music improves (my friend considers Second Life Syndrome their best album). Few prog bands have maintained such a level of musical consistency (Dream Theater being perhaps the most notable of them).

The album begins with the 12-minute opener, "The Same River." It takes the song quite a long time before it really kicks into high gear. In the meantime, you hear some calm, atmospheric keyboards beneath a series of heartfelt guitar licks (which sounds to me like a stylistic balance between Dave Gilmour and John Petrucci). Slowly the song gains momentum, and, although it reaches its intense point, never unexpectedly "explodes" with such intensity. The build-up is so gradual that the heavy part more-or-less sneaks up on the listener. The instrumental intro goes on for about seven minutes. In that time, the talents of all the musicians are showcased sufficiently. From the first verse onward, the song maintains its initial calmness, while introducing the clear, enchanting voice of singer/bassist Mariusz Duda. All in all, this epic track is a great introduction to what Riverside is all about.

Next comes the title track, "Out of Myself." This song maintains the same calm atmosphere while sporting a bit more intensity than the verses of the previous track. Near the end of the song, Duda incorporates shouting vocals into the song, which are rough and on the border of growling. Another great track with great musicianship all-around.

Next comes the album's first ballad, "I Believe." After a narration, the song begins on a swelling keyboard chord with some beautiful guitar work (both acoustic and electric, which both define the song's celestial vibe). Mariusz's soft, emotional vocals round off this amazing song.

After "Reality Dream," the album's first instrumental (and perhaps the most intense song on the album, complete with an AMAZING bass line from Mr. Duda) comes "Loose Heart." While it is edgier than "I Believe," this song still comes close to achieving the same otherworldly atmosphere as said track. This song ends with an unexpectedly intense conclusion, complete with distorted guitars and Duda's rough shouting vocals.

Next is the second of the two instrumentals, "Reality Dream II." This track showcases the same instrumental quality as its predecessor, and truly defines Riverside's progressive style in a nutshell. After that comes "In Two Minds," another soft song with amazing acoustic guitar work (one of my personal favorites on the album).

The second-to-last song and (in my opinion) the last GREAT song of "Out of Myself" is "The Curtain Falls." Beginning with Riverside's signature atmosphere, the song kicks off with a wicked bass groove and remains calm until the last verse. After that, the song builds to intensity (in case you haven't noticed, Riverside has a knack for building up to their heavy moments). This particular part of the song is accompanied by some excellent guitar playing. All in all, a great finish to a great song.

The final track is called "OK." Honestly, I would've preferred "The Curtain Falls" to be the closing track on the album instead. "OK" is just as it is titled...OK. But, it does not compel me in the ways that the rest of the album does. Although it is not a bad track, I wish the album could have ended on a stronger note...a bit of a disappointment, there.

In conclusion, "Out of Myself" is one of the most well done and mind-blowing albums I have discovered this year. Their unique progressive rock style defies classification. If you do not believe me, listen to "Out of Myself" and try to name a band whose style is anywhere near comparable to Riverside. It's not easy...not easy at all. Expertly combining heavy riffs with smooth, beautiful atmospheric elements, Riverside has set the bar in debut prog albums with "Out of Myself."