SPRING TIDINGS - 15TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Back in 2006 this was the first album I came across from Poor Genetic Material, although it was in fact their sixth full- length. These days it is viewed as one of their best albums, but the band were never happy with the sound so decided to remix it for a 15th anniversary release. However, nothing is ever as simple as it seems with the drum tracks having to be transferred from technology no longer available while the keyboard tracks could not be rescued at all and would need to be re-recorded. If they wanted to reissue this on vinyl there was another challenge in that it was too short for a double album yet too long for a single, so what should they do? In the end they decided to go for a re-imagining, so we have here a shortened resequenced version of the album with new flute and keyboards, with the whole thing then being remastered.

The result is something which of course is very closely related indeed to the original, but to my ears is somewhat punchier, while the sound has of course been improved. I must confess to having heard only another 3 of their albums over the years, but there is no doubt that this new revitalised version of 'Spring Tidings' is the best. It is rightly viewed as Crossover Prog as it contains elements of different sub genres, with symphonic nestling happily alongside neo, plus that touch of commerciality which makes this such a smooth release to listen to. With years of playing some of this material behind him, Philipp had added additional depth with the new keyboards, with a wonderful mic of styles and sounds with the Mellotron making its presence warmly felt, while Phil's vocals are that much clearer in this version, Stefan's guitars have that much more bite while the rhythm section keeps it all together. There are times when I was being reminded of classic Saga, and I came away from this wondering why it is so long since I played the original (which is on my shelves) as I had forgotten just how good this was.

If you have ever to come across PGM then this is a wonderful place to start.