I want to start this brief review of this amazing album by first thanking my good friend Jesse Gelina for introducing me not only to this album but to this band.  While he sends me many samples of songs and links I should check out of albums he thinks I’ll like, I honestly don’t have the time more often than I like to fully explore what he points me towards.  With this album, I’m really glad I took the time.

The Dark Third by Pure Reason Revolution, released in April of 2006, is a progressive rock album (a genre that I can’t always call my favorite) that has really struck a chord in me.  The UK band members draw inspiration from bands such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Porcupine Tree, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and the Super Furry Animals.  Most of these bands I’m fond of, especially the Smashing Pumpkins.  The inspiration of these artists certainly does play into their work, but their sometimes electronic, progressive sound seems to create a whole new sub-genre of the field at times.

Throughout the album, consistent rhythms and chord structures can be found.  Vocal and lead melodies seem very flowing and yet metered as well, which is something that isn’t often done well.  Pure Reason Revolution pulls this unique paradox off well.

The album can almost be termed a concept album, since many of the tracks seem to tell a story and make sense with one another, but less so on their own.  That isn’t to say though that there aren’t stand out songs that could certainly work as singles (particularly the second track, Goshen’s Remains).  Most of the tracks fade into each other, creating an uninterrupted listening experience.

Track by Track Thoughts

  • Aeropause – An excellent introduction to the album, leading wonderfully into Goshen’s Remains
  • Goshen’s Remains – My favorite song on the album. A unique song that fits nicely into the entire album or on its own. Very interesting melody and syncopation.
  • Apprentice of the Universe – The electronic intro becomes a very interesting counterpoint in this sweeping song. Probably my second favorite on the album.
  • The Bright Ambassadors of Morning – A long and spacial song that I didn’t care for at first, but grew on me to become one of my more favorite tracks on the album. I think this track in many ways defies explanation in a conventional way, and I believe that’s what they were going for.
  • Nimos & Tambos – For some reason I can’t quite put my finger on, this song represents to me a weak (and possibly the only weak) point in the album. It works, but isn’t as unique or interesting as the other tracks. That said, on a great album, a weak song is still entirely listenable.
  • Voices in Winter / In the Realms of the Divine – To me, this song seems to be heavily influenced by The Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, yet holds true to its structure and rhythm patterns laid down in the previous tracks. A very nice track and would also do well on its own as a single.
  • Bullitts Dominae – This track goes through a weak introduction, but quickly picks up into very interesting and dynamic movement towards the middle. The chorus from the middle on of vocals is very pleasing and rescues the track from mediocrity to one of my more favorites.
  • Arrival / The Intention Craft – This song picks up the pace a bit and is a bit edgier than its other companions. It is fast pace and works well. A very good climax to the album.
  • He Tried to Show Them / Magic Ambassadors Return – Serves as a nice conclusion track that brings together previously expressed thoughts and elements well. A very nice guitar part about 3 minutes in really stands out helps to bring this album to a close nicely.

From a production standpoint, the music is mixed for stereo very well.  Overall sound quality is good and doesn’t seem to be aimed towards the least common denominator player as so many modern productions are.  This is something that would sound good both on ultra-modern stereos, MP3 players, and a 70’s analog sound system.

In conclusion, I’d have to give this album a 9 out of 10 rating.  I can’t give it 10 stars because there are parts to me that could use a bit more polish and substance, but most of these are minor complaints that are highly subjective.