PERFECT BEINGS

This debut from the Perfect Beings finds the band display an impressive knowledge of progressive rock precedent whilst at the same time sounding distinctly modern. Rather than jumping back in time to the 1970s or 1980s to directly transplant and update the sound of classic bands like Yes or King Crimson (or neo-prog revivalists like Marillion or IQ), it really feels like they take into account the entire sweep of musical development in the prog scene here to produce something which displays not a hint of nostalgia but instead builds on innovations in prog spanning the last 45 years.

That said, I find that the album isn't quite a keeper. Their sound is certainly distinctive, but after a while it starts to become grating. In particular, there's a few too many songs on here that outstay their welcome and just get irritating - and when that includes songs like Helicopter, which I get bored of before its three minutes are even half up, that's kind of a problem. Interesting but inconsistent.