ID.ENTITY

Ok. I gave this album a focused, first listen. No distractions. I have not been so impressed with a first listen like this in a very long time. I'm blown away.

You know, lots of bands take you to lots of places, crossing genres and themes. The best do it smoothly. Seamless transitions. Duda and company do that very well here. However, they have extended the boundaries more than most dare to go, particularly between the contrasting the more poppy elements and melodies with the dark, heavy guitar metal parts on occasion.

You know what Steven Wilson was saying about making good pop for Future Bites. Well Riverside has managed to do just that in parts, maybe more effectively in it's own way, particularly in this album's broader range of moods, themes and styles and, well, prog. If this doesn't fit the classic definition of prog regarding stretching limits and styles and combinations, I don't know what does.

This album manages to incorporate some 80's pop rock themes and melodies with classic Riverside. However, it's an evolved Riverside. Mariusz music is always experimental. This album is no different. You hear bits of former works. But you also hear some different elements come out. Different ideas. I also found myself thinking of Geddy Lee a lot more on this album than others. The bass lines and sound are often reminiscent to 80's (and some later) Rush at times. Heck, even parts of Self Aware reminded me of Vital Signs.

This is a great album. Great instrumentation, wonderful vocals, amazing moods and shifting themes. Oh, and the guitars. The guitars. Maciej honors that Piotr-era, classic Riverside lead style very well.

I don't think this is one of those albums that will be down hill after first listen. There is so much going on, that I am certain it will grow. As I sit here on the second listen, I am certainly certain. I very happily impressed with this awesome effort.

Share this RIVERSIDE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Michael919
• Report this review (#2876973)
• Buy RIVERSIDE music online with PA partners
• Show all RIVERSIDE MP3/Stream
• Go to RIVERSIDE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to ID.Entity page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for RIVERSIDE related discussions