BLOOD OF THE BERRY

A US band from Georgia, developing through the 90's around singer/keyboardist Matthew Still and bassist/lyricist Andre Neitzel.Timothy Pure released the album ''The fabric of betrayal'' in 1995 with Randy Brown on guitar, Chet Jameson on drums and Nick Savage on vocals, but according to Neitzel this work did not represent the actual sound of the group.Two years later Neitzel and Still were joined by Zod on guitars and Chris Wallace on drums to release the sophomore effort ''Blood of the Berry'' on Isosceles Records.Part of the album seems to be re-recordings of songs from ''The fabric of betrayal''.

A very atmospheric and sensitive album, ''Blood of the Berry'' seems to draw influences from the warmer side of PINK FLOYD (circa ''Wish you were here'' and ''Dividion bell'') into a style that also has strong hints from the early-90's MARILLION sound as well as some of the pompous stylings of ALAN PARSONS' PROJECT and eventually sounding close to compatriots NEPENTHE.Containg 14 short compositions, everything seems to be very carefully structured in this album, that propably lacks obvious dynamics, but focuses on clear, smooth and atmospheric plays with alternating passages from melodic parts to more lyrical moments.The PINK FLOYD influence is evident on plenty of the mellow keyboard textures and the almost spacey guitar lines, but there are also some more upbeat moments with more powerful vocals, upfront keyboards and an energetic rhythm section.Some excellent solos with a Neo Prog-flavor are also in the menu along with more contemporary techniques like the mass of distorted vocals.Thus, Timothy Pure sound like a precursor to many bands of the 00's, like NINE STONES CLOSE or COSMOGRAF, trying to fill their sound with both old-school and recent vibes.

''Blood of the Berry'' unfortunately lacks this monster track that would make this album absolutely essential, but be sure to face a well-crafted and highly atmospheric Prog release if purchasing the album, especially if you are a fan of PINK FLOYD and/or Hogarth-era MARILLION.Recommended.