PASSION

Having come off the back of their most ambitious album to date, 'Pure', the big question was always about where Pendragon would go next. Would Nick Barrett keep faith with the more contemporary sound he explored on 'Believe' and honed brilliantly on 'Pure'? Or would it be a case of reverting to an older formula to keep the faithful happy (whatever that means these days)? The answer is actually neither - and both. 'Passion' is that rarest of beasts - a modern-sounding classic which takes the best elements of what made Pendragon interesting in the first place, adds in a healthy dose of 21st century sounds & arrangements and mixes well until what comes out is something truly unique. From the opening drum loop sample of the title track, it's immediately apparent 'Passion' is going to demand the listener's attention. Once the band kick in alongside a monster riff you're left in no doubt that they mean serious business. 'Empathy' develops the theme from the opening track, a chugging, almost trance like rhythm not dissimiliar to the previous album's 'Indigo' that then twists and turns through several moods including a typically pitch-perfect Nick Barrett guitar solo and an emotive rap (yes, rap) that compliments the whole piece as effectively as salt n vinegar on chips. 'Feeding Frenzy' follows, arguably the most intense, heavy thing Pendragon have ever committed to tape, and proves beyond doubt that the likes of Porcupine Tree need to keep an eye on this lot - as it takes on the young whippersnappers and shows them that there's still fire in the belly of these (slightly older) dogs... The 13-minute album centrepiece 'This Green and Pleasant Land' then performs the almost impossible by upping the ante again, a frustrated Barrett spitting out a lyrical lament to his homeland and building the tension and emotion to a beautiful breaking point, teasing each element until finally it bursts forth in a kick-ass final section, highlighting drummer Scott Higham's prowess and how important his rock/metal sensibilities have been to the natural progression of the Pendragon sound. 'It's Just a Matter of Not Getting Caught' (a contender for song title of the year) provides the calm after the storm, a haunting, lilting melody underpinned by a dark, almost metallic riff that feels strangely uplifting and dream-like. Clever. 'Skara Brae' picks up the tempo again with a looping riff that gets under your skin, into your head and stays there like only all the best licks can do, and things are rounded off with the brooding ''Your Black Heart', the closest thing here to some of the more mellow offerings of the Pendragon of old, but as with everything on 'Passion' it's done with a modern twist, its multi-layered vocals a focal point (in fact there are more vocal harmonies on the album than I've noticed before on Pendragon offerings and it's a huge plus point). In summary then, Pendragon have produced a natural successor to 'Pure', but have actually achieved so much more than that. The writing, arrangements, production, sonic quality and performances are simply outstanding and it's apparent that they have stretched themselves far beyond expectations. This is, and should be, considered a modern classic.