IT LEADS TO THIS

A highly anticipated record from the start of 2024, here is The Pineapple Thief back with 'It Leads To This'. So "what does this lead to?" Even if three years were necessary for the conception of this record, we cannot say that the members of the group were really idle during this period: for example, Bruce Soord (singer, guitarist) released his solo album 'Luminescence' last year, and Gavin Harrison (drums) was a little busy with another of his bands: Porcupine Tree . We are also entitled to wonder if the latter, since his arrival behind the drums, has not in some way become the star of the group, as his type of playing and his mastery of the instrument seem to put all the emphasis on world okay. Listening to 'It Leads To This', he captivates again, not because he takes all the light, but on the contrary by his very intelligent way of putting himself at the service of the compositions and the interpretation of the band. It is therefore as a true ensemble, where everyone takes part in the construction of the work, that we find The Pineapple Thief for a "collected" album made up of 8 tracks, lasting just over 40 minutes, and where precision is not (once again) lacking.

The album starts gently with "Put It Right", a melancholy track based on piano accompaniment highlighted by a superb drum groove. The title does not hesitate to leave space, takes its time, breathes, and this will be the case for other pieces throughout the album. And of course the production is 5 stars, each instrument, each intervention finds its place perfectly in a clear mix.

The sound hardens slightly with "Rubicon" where the guitars are out. And it is again the rhythmic changes printed by the drums which give a beautiful dynamic to the piece.

A great bass line supports the song "It Leads To This" throughout its duration, including during the excellent chorus. It's one of the most interesting tracks on the album which manages to combine a certain requirement in terms of implementation and a catchy melody.

Another single, "The Frost" seems to be more direct, more Rock? until you listen to the verses where the odd rhythm is crazy, before a chorus that immediately grabs the ear.

Return of this melancholy draped in high quality instrumentation, so characteristic of the group, on "All That's Left". Then a seemingly simple plan on acoustic guitar launches a more furious passage that is rather unexpected. This is one of Pineapple Thief 's strengths: managing to vary the atmospheres within the same title by playing with volume, sounds, silences.

These chords on the piano and this drum rhythm on "Now It's Yours" recall the Bowie of "Five Years". One of the most emotionally charged pieces on the record with sublime arrangements.

At the risk of repeating myself, what a drum groove again on "Every Trace Of Us"! This one is also marked by an interesting harmony on the chorus, the doubling of voices, a particularly aggressive bass, a bridge/solo of guitar and keyboards.

A beautiful acoustic guitar arpeggio opens the last track "To Forget", where Bruce Soord 's voice travels high to better support a beautiful emotion, and where the arrangements / mixing / interpretation combo once again reaches heights.

It's possible to criticize 'It Leads To This' for a lack of risk-taking, orchestral ambition or complete twist. No long epic here, nor any extended solos or barely contained rage. No, Pineapple Thief maintains a classy grace by bringing a care to his compositions that few artists are capable of achieving. The group masters its element, forging a mixture of complexity (rhythmic in particular) and quite admirable melodic purity. A falsely calm force in a way.

Review originally posted on www.progcritique.com.