Album Review
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4.5
Stars
Possibilities
Poor Genetic Material
450
#
Germany
Poor Genetic Material's fifteenth studio album, "Possibilities," is an audible journey that captivates from the first note to the last. This German crossover prog band, known for its sophisticated and accessible compositions, has once again outdone themselves, creating an album that I consider to be their best work yet. Each of the six tracks unfolds like a story, rich in texture and depth, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in a world of musical ingenuity.
The album kicks off with the title track, setting a high bar for what follows. Tracks like "Rain" and "A Spark of Ideas" showcase the band's ability to blend intricate melodies with Philip Griffiths' distinctive vocals and the didgeridoo's haunting tones. The musicianship is top-notch, with Stefan Glomb's guitar work and Philipp Jaehne's keyboard contributions creating a perfect backdrop for the stories told within each song.
This German crossover prog band, known for its sophisticated and accessible compositions, has once again outdone themselves, creating an album that I consider to be their best work yet.
An over-the-top melodic standout moment is "Old Buffoon," which not only highlights the band's playful side but also features an endearing vocal performance by Martin Griffiths. This track, reminiscent of the Beatles in its structure and harmony, could indeed be a hit in an alternate universe. But, don’t be fooled by the light playfulness of moments like “Old Buffoon,” there is plenty of deeper, hard-core prog to be found in this record.
Overall, "Possibilities" is an impressive addition to Poor Genetic Material's discography. The full seven-piece lineup brings a new level of dynamism to their music, creating a rich, layered sound that is both innovative and deeply engaging. The addition of Pia Darmstaedter's flute playing adds a virtuosic touch that complements the band's established sound.
If you’re a fan of extremely melodic crossover prog, you’ll likely enjoy this album a great deal. Of course, melodic crossover prog is Prog Radio’s sweet spot, so you can expect to hear many of these songs in rotation here. Also, look for tracks to be featured in this week’s “What’s New Proggy Cats?” show on both Monday and Tuesday.
4.5 Yaks