SPOOKY ACTION AT A DISTANCE

Pattern-Seeking Animals (P-SA) is rather the prolific type. Born from the ashes of Spock's Beard, the group released their 4th album in 5 years: 'Spooky Action At A Distance'. Part of a Prog Rock that could be described as "classic", P- SA 's music is no less interesting and extremely refined. However, it will be necessary to go beyond a first listen which can leave a feeling of homogeneity without relief (lasting 1h33, bonus included!) to truly appreciate the richness of the different titles.

A rhythm worthy of a military march opens the album and "The Man Made Of Stone". This first impression is quickly forgotten when the comforting voice of Ted Leonard and the melodic power of the group intervene. We will note synthesizer sounds that catch the ear, excellent bass licks, and a magnificent cello part. An opening that sets high foundations.

A very 'catchy' synth/bass riff opens the way to "Window To The World", a track marked by a different rhythmic approach which leans towards Reggae. I particularly appreciated the placement of the vocal lines in this syncopated environment.

Once again, opening with a killer bass lick and an unconventional rhythm on "What Awaits Me". The title is magnificently served by the acoustic instruments (including unusual sitar sounds) and the contribution of the brass. In addition, the choirs are more present here, reinforcing the emotional side of the song.

Long development of more than 12 minutes, "He Once Was" is one of the central pieces of the record. A medieval/folk type melody introduces this title with superb wind instrument parts. Gradually, the title evolves towards more contemporary sounds, and we find rich instrumental sequences, an emotional "Floyd-ian" guitar solo followed by a sober but effective saxophone solo reminiscent of Supertramp.

"Underneath The Orphan Moon" has the markers of a sad nursery rhyme telling the story of a young girl who is expecting a baby and decides to leave home. The contribution of the brass reinforces the emotional side, and what can we say about the very unusual guitar solo!

Without transition, it's time for the up-tempo of "Clouds That Never Rain" and its little instrumental motif which permeates the mind. "Bulletproof", for its part, is a cover of a Spock's Beard track from the album 'Noise Floor'. It's a song that sounds rather pop and has the particularity of containing in its lyrics the name of the future group ("Just a pattern-seeking animal caught up in God's grand parade").

A more complex title than it seems, "Somewhere North Of Nowhere" is marked by a particular rhythmic signature and reveals the most Prog side of the group, notably via a bridge with a disturbing atmosphere. Small drop in speed on "Summoned From Afar" which struggles to capture attention throughout its duration, and here we arrive at the last track of the record, "Love Is Still The Light". This more classic ballad in its form, carrying a message of hope, is once again a great success thanks (among other things) to the contribution of female voices.

'Spooky Action At A Distance' is an album that's fairly easy to access, but whose beauty lies in the details. The writing and performing talents of Pattern-Seeking Animals are quite evident and allow them to now play in the big leagues.

Review originally posted on www.progcritique.com.