FRIEND OF ALL CREATURES

I have pre-ordered every PSA album after the first when i realized how unique and dynamic this band was. And it was also very quickly that I knew that this was much more than a Spock's Beard off shoot. It is obvious after just 4 complete listens of this their 5th album in 7 years, that yhis is their must focused and concise effort, and just possibly might be my favorite. Realistically its a 4.5, but Ill round it up to 5 cause i feel like the more I get into it the more Ill cherish it. Plus the cover art is really good, which doesn't hurt. Even though its not as eclectic ascthrir previous, its both extremely progressive(Another Holy Grail), and poppy(Days Well remember). Again, its john Boegehold's songwriting that is the bedrock of everything PSA does. Yes the musicianship is stellar, but it always serves the songs. And these songs have haunting melodies and hooks galore, but there's nothing really mainstream about them. They are always unique. I have to admit I wasn't bowled over at first spin. But my enjoyment ofvthis record grew exponentially with each listen. In a nutshell the first two songs are the proggiest, Future Perfect World, and Another holy grail. The first is more focused, the second us much mire dense and takes some time to get into, but I love it too. Down the darkest road is pure ballad bliss. A little creepy but very memorable. The second side of the vinyl starts with In my dying day, another shorter and with a very memorable hook. The seventh sleeper is a mini epic with some great hooks, solos, and just proggy enough. Next us Days We'll remember. Which after only 4 listens is not only my favorite PSA ballad, but maybe one of my favorite prog ballads ever. The vocal performance by Ted Leonard is maybe my favorite ever of hus, of any band he's been in. Close your eyes and youll swear you're hearing Steve Walsh from 70s Kansas. Seriously, its that good. And this perfect side ends with Words of Love evermore, a majestic symphonic prog mini epic. Just incredible. I think theyve finally made the album theyve been shooting for. And the first four are great, this one is just perfect.

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