STOCK

RPWL has been one of the most recognized Neo Prog bands in the last decade, they are also known (I have to say it) because they were a Pink Floyd cover band, and in some of their songs you can see that reference, (only some songs) they are actually an original and interesting band.

In 2003 they released a kind of compilation album, but not about "The Best Of", no, but about some unreleased material I believe was left out on their first two albums, which is actually something interesting, in fact it could be a brand new studio album.

"Stock", as they named it, features 10 songs (and a hidden track) and a total time of 43 minutes. It kicks off with a Pink Floyd Barrett-era cover, "Opel", I think in some way they wanted to make a tribute to the band that inspires them the most and it is a very nice cover. "The Way it is" is a nice track with that Neo prog feeling all over it, the final part on this song is especially good with excellent use of keyboards and an intrepid guitar solo, the vocals are gentle and the mood quite relaxing when vocals appear. Then, when you think you are listening to the song's dreamy end, you will realize that it is actually a new short piece called "Perceptual Response" which lasts only a minute and a half. And later the same thing happens, because all of a sudden a new short track is playing "Forgive me Pt. 1", almost the same length as the previous song and the same dreamy mood.

But then something more interesting appears with "The Gentle Art of Swimming", a ten- minute song with some kind of dark atmosphere created by keyboards, nice structure and good use of instruments, the instrumental passages are very atmospheric and interesting. This is probably the best song here.

"Who Do You Think You Are", another short song with an introduction that reminds me to some Flower Kings tunes, and then the song turns into a friendly track, but not really that interesting. "Going Outside" it is an unnecessary interlude that leads to "Sun in the Sky" which is a very catchy song whose chorus you would like to repeat.

Next two songs are the second and third part of "Forgive Me", actually I believe that could have been a one part song because dividing it in three short parts make them pass unnoticed. Some instrumental moments that are not that interesting, and the parts with vocals may be a little bit more interesting, but to be honest it lacks of creativity and punch, I mean, when I listen to it I don't feel as enthusiastic as I would have liked. There is also a hidden track, which is like a bossa nova song, not bad but forgettable.

This album is nice, not their best at all because it actually contains some short and not successful songs, but it also features one excellent song, so it is not that bad as some people have mentioned. Also, I must say that the digipack version with CD and DVD is very interesting, you can appreciate the same songs but in video. Anyway, if you like the band you may enjoy it, if you are new to the band, then first I recommend you to listen to any of their studio albums.

My final grade is 3 stars (2.75 actually)

Enjoy it!

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