For those of us who find the term 'Progressive' less abhorrent during these modern times Pure Reason Revolution will further divide opinion. Finding myself a recent convert to the multifaceted Westminster based quartet I was hoping the latest album would continue to evolve the often original premise of rich vocal harmonies eclectic riffage with an underlying electro pulse...and by the power of Ged they almost got it right.

Having savoured the most prog like beginnings via the debut 'The Dark Third' with some excitement the 2009 follow up 'Amor Vincit Omnia' arrived like a lost friend, albeit having matured into something rather desirable and most alluring.

Alas time flies and progress arrives with 'Hammer And Anvil', perhaps the most cohesive polished release to date...but at some cost. The opening track 'Fight Fire' soon confronts with staccato bursts and aplomb aplenty but it's a familiar groove that this anger is furrowing although the energy is surely felt. The strength of the vocal hook appears effortless throughout the album with both 'Black Mourning' and 'Patriarch' being prime examples of maturing song writing, arrangements and vocals and is deserving of an appreciative smile.

There are numerous chest beating electro rock moments during 'Last Man Last Round' and 'Never Divide' and to my satisfaction there are differing moods up for the taking with 'Open Insurrection' being a prime example, variety being the basic blueprint here. I find it difficult to resist mentioning the inevitable comparison to Stabbing Westward as the resemblance is most uncanny but perhaps necessary to highlight the oh so familiar industrial undercurrent. All the ingredients are in place but the overall effect is somewhat overwhelming at times, almost as if too much goodness is assaulting the senses, so many magic moments that if afforded a little more space amongst the clutter would have shone like a bright shiny thing indeed.

It's tough to define what the irredeemable factor is that fails to lift this album beyond merely promising, almost hinting at the potential that this mercurial band professes to offer. The fusion of post-rock and electro is fraught with casualties when so much is promised but rarely delivered. The Leeds based legends The Music hinted at such possibilities with the epitaph that was 'Strength In Numbers' but if any band are capable of taking this mantle it surely is Pure Reason Revolution.

To be continued.

http://www.myspace.com/purereasonrevolution