Review: Riverside
Matt McRae
Issue date: 10/18/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Rapid Eye Movement
A trilogy comes to a close with the latest album by Riverside, a Polish progressive rock group. It is the conclusion to the Reality Dream Trilogy, which also included Out of Myself and Second Life Syndrome. Rapid Eye Movement was released internationally on October 9.
Riverside officially formed in 2001. However, it came into existence originally as a side project. The band, while still having commitments to other bands and jobs, were brought together over a love for progressive rock. Riverside experienced strains between its members leading to a change in the line-up. Riverside over time became the true passion of its members.
Acclaim followed them after the release of Out of Myself in 2004. Riverside was named Debut of the Year by Metal Hammer magazine and Revelation of the Year by the Belgian site Prog-Nose.
Rapid Eye Movement stays true to the unique sound and feel that other Riverside albums have become known for having. The album is broke down into two main parts. Part one is entitled "Fearless" and part two is "Fearland." The international release also contains three bonus tracks.
Rapid renders many emotions throughout its entirety. The album is thought-provoking and often haunting, as in the song "Through the Other Side." It is a trip of the mind often helping to promote mental images that enhance the listening experience. Rapid is successfully able to balance the heavy and serene into one musical experience in the swan song of the Reality Dream Trilogy.
The musical influences are evident throughout the entire album. The listener can hear the influences of such bands as Marillion, Dream Theater, and Porcupine Tree. The biggest evidence of influence comes in what seems to be a nod to Pink Floyd at the 4:34 mark on "Back to the River" when the band uses their own rendition of a section from "Shine On You Crazy Diamond."
"Beyond the Eyelids," "Through the Other Side," "Schizophrenic Prayer" and "02 Panic Room" are all highlights in Rapid. The whole album is amazing, and two of the bonus tracks, "Lucid Dream IV" and "Back to the River" contain simply some of the best guitar work of the whole album.
A-
An avid music and game enthusiast, Matt McRae is the photography editor of The Chanticleer. He can be reached at (256) 782-8521 or at chantyphoto@gmail.com. You can read his weekly music blog at mattonanisland.blogspot.com.
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