Pure Reason Revolution - The Dark Third

Year of Release: 2006
Label: One Haven/Red Ink
Catalog Number: 68450
Format: CD
Total Time: 64:53:00

A fusion of pop, psychedelia and progressive influences can be found on Pure Reason Revolutions' Sony debut The Dark Third. Pure Reason Revolution's strengths are writing songs that are catchy, and their golden ticket lies in the intriguing vocals and melodies, which are carefully constructed and executed.

As the slide guitar enters "Aeropause," there is no doubt that the band has spent many hours listening to 70s icons Pink Floyd. "The Bright Ambassadors Of Morning" is an example of one of the bands longer tracks, reminiscent of Porcupine Tree. Heavy guitars add a modern edge, combined with spacey atmospheres, layers of vocals, and synthesizer sound effects. The blending of male and female vocals bring to mind the Alan Parsons Project mixed with October Project. Let me reiterate that the vocals are really what has kept me coming back to this disc. Vocals are usually the Achilles heel for most bands, but PRR has no worries in this department. "Apprentice Of The Universe" and "Goshens Remains" could find their way to the radio if given a chance. The Dark Third combines great vocals, lush production, and catchy songs with enough of a modern edge for the band to find its place in today's market .

Released in the UK by Holograph (SonyBMG 82876817842) and a version in the US (cat # unknown) in addition to the version under review here. In 2007, released in Europe by InsideOut (IOMCD265); covers for UK and EU (reusing artwork from Cautionary Tales...) below:

Tracklisting:
UK Version: Aeropause / Goshens Remains / Apprentice Of The Universe / Bright Ambassadors Of Morning / The Exact Colour / a. Voices In Winter - b. In The Realms Of The Divine / Bullitts Dominae / a. The Twyncyn - b. Trembling Willows / a. He Tried To Show Them Magic - b. Ambassadors Return

US Version 1: Aeropause / Goshens Remains / Apprentice Of The Universe / Bright Ambassadors Of Morning / Nimbos And Tambos / a. Voices In Winter - b. In The Realms Of The Divine / Bullitts Dominae / The Intention Craft / a. He Tried To Show Them Magic - b. Ambassadors Return

US Version 2: Aeropause / Goshens Remains / Apprentice Of The Universe / Bright Ambassadors Of Morning / Nimbos And Tambos / a. Voices In Winter - b. In The Realms Of The Divine / Bullitts Dominae / Intention Craft / a. He Tried To Show Them Magic - b. Ambassadors Return / Hidden Bonus: Asleep Under Eiderdown

European Version: Disc One: Aeropause / Goshen's Remains / Apprentice Of The Universe / The Bright Ambassadors Of Morning / Nimos & Tambos / Voices In Winter / In The Realms Of The Divine / Bullitts Dominae / Arrival / The Intention Craft / He Tried To Show Them Magic / Ambassadors Return

Disc Two: In Aur?lia / Borgens Vor / The Exact Colour / The Twyncyn / Trembling Willows / Golden Clothes

Musicians:
Chloe Alper - vocals, bass guitars
Jon Courtney - vocals, guitars, keyboards
Andrew Courtney drums
Jim Dobson - vocals, keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, violin
Jamie Wilcox - vocals, guitarss

Discography:
Apprentice Of The Universe (ep) (2004)
Bright Ambassadors Of Morning (ep) (2005)
Cautionary Tales For The Brave (ep) (2005)
The Intention Craft (ep) (2005)
In Aurelia (ep) (2005)
The Dark Third (2006/2007*)
Live At NEARfest 2007 (2008)
Amor Vincit Omnia (2009)
Hammer And Anvil (2010)
Valour EP (ep) (2011)
*incl. bonus disc

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin UK

Added: November 11th 2006
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Artist website: www.facebook.com/purereasonrevolution/
Hits: 4405
Language: english