Pure Reason Revolution ~ The Dark Third

There does seem to be a definite upsurge in interest in prog rock. Not the usual smug battering the genre usually gets, but something more positive and acceptable is abound. With the likes of The Mars Volta, Porcupine Tree, Coheed and Cambria and Oceansize all getting attention in the mainstream rock press, bands are clearly embracing the likes of Rush, Yes, King Crimson and Pink Floyd with relish. Latest new kids on the block are Pure Reason Revolution from London. This, their debut full length album is full of youthful energy and clearly a band for the future. These guys love harmonies and they are in abundance all over this album. “Bullitts Dominae” is a perfect example. Gorgeous melody and ecstatic chorus propel this song into the stratosphere. The lengthy, “The Bright Ambassadors Of Morning” also has some beautifully arranged vocals spread out over its 12 minutes with most of the vocal duties carried out by guitarist John Courtney and bassist Chloe Alper throughout. Both work wonderfully together. Opener “Aeropause” is a spacey instrumental in the best Floyd tradition with lots of typical Gilmour slide guitar. It’s a slight pity that a few of the tracks here date from their previous mini-album “Cautionary Tales From The Brave”, but as a finished work this album gels nicely as a cohesive whole.

This is a very assured debut from a very promising young band, whether you embrace prog rock or not. This is fresh and exciting rock music and this band should gain the recognition which “The Dark Third” indicates they truly deserve.