Review | Pure Reason Revolution – Coming Up To Consciousness

Inside Out Music

‘Coming Up To Consciousness’ is the 6^th studio album of Pure Reason Revolution and in my humble opinion it is a great album. However I do not know if it is an album that will appeal to hard rock fans or metal heads as the music is filled with electronics and has obvious musical characteristics from bands like Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, Radiohead and the modern Marillion. 

A PERSONAL ALBUM

The music on this album is inspired by recent events in the life of Jon Courtney and the songs, especially the lyrics, are very intense, sometimes even unsettling, and very personal. Musically the album contains five instrumental short interludes and one prelude that connect the “real” songs and take care of the flow of the music. ,,Dig Till You Die” is the first real song, after the prelude, and it starts with a dreamy opening vibe, featuring a vocal duet between Courtney and Annicke Shireen, while in the middle we are treated to a heavy guitar riff. Follow up ,,Betrayal” features piano, dramatic vocals and a rousing chorus. ,,Bend The Earth” features an excellent guitar solo, while ,,Worship” evolves into a steady rocker after a rather quiet melancholic intro.

STEVEN WILSON

,,Lifeless Creature”, my personal favorite track of the album, again features flawless intense, dramatic vocals, great music with lots of melody and variety galore and this one truly reminds me of Steven Wilson’s solo work; think ‘To The Bone,’ released in 2017, and especially Wilson’s duets with Ninet Tayeb. ‘Coming Up To Consciousness’ ends with ,,As We Disappear”, a beautiful piano ballad, ending this impressive album in style. But again, I doubt if this is an album for lovers of heavy music as this is pure crossover prog packed with catchy melodies and almost perfect vocal harmonies indeed. 

PURE REASON REVOLUTION – THE CONCLUSION

If you like Porcupine Tree, Steven Wilson, The Pineapple Thief and Marillion, then you should give this album a chance and listen to it with your headphones on. You will be astonished and maybe even ‘hooked” like yours truly; needless to say, that you have to play this album LOUD! 

Listening tip: ,,Worship’’

Release date: 6 September 2024