Nu-prog rockers Pure Reason Revolution create a wall of sound live
Prog-rock band Pure Reason Revolution showcases their second studio album to an intimate home crowd at Plug n Play, Reading.
Pure Reason Revolution (PRR) have been through some changing times, having lost a member, replaced a drummer and changing record labels since the release of their first album The Dark Third. Now releasing second album Amor Vincit Omnia (available in all good…and bad record stops) and starting their mammoth promotional tour in their hometown of Reading, fans were eagerly anticipating a long-awaited performance from the local protégés.
The beginning of the set was dogged by sound problems. After a couple of false starts, the band was soon in the swing of things. A pounding beat shook the tiny venue, with Chloe Alper up front rocking the bass, synth and heading towards to the NME Cool List. A packed audience listened attentively as deep bass and harmonious vocals soared, blending an ethereal sound with a huge electro influence.
To my delight, the band produced the wall of sound that is synonymous with their live shows, much heavier then on record. The new tracks are accessible to a non-prog audience, but still utilise beautiful harmonies and good ole fashioned rock ‘n’ roll that bought them to the attention of super-label SonyBMG, signing them in 2004.
The performance was faultless, with Chloe and Jon Courtney swapping from guitars to synths and keyboards, effortlessly showing off their multi-instrumental talents. This is a band that knows and loves music, so attuned into making an incredible sound that leaves you in awe. As well as delighting with their new direction, they played tracks Bright Ambassadors Of Morning to not forget their fantasy-inspired sound, taken from a blend of The Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. However, despite all of this I find it hard to get really excited about this band, they just don’t speak to me, I can’t relate to it and it doesn’t evoke anything in me.
Heading all over the UK and Europe on a 31-day tour, they are definitely worth checking-out, if not to support a band that are doing their own thing and being completely original, then to watch a band create a sonic wonderland that will completely envelop you.
First published 04.03.2009
Pure Reason Revolution (PRR) have been through some changing times, having lost a member, replaced a drummer and changing record labels since the release of their first album The Dark Third. Now releasing second album Amor Vincit Omnia (available in all good…and bad record stops) and starting their mammoth promotional tour in their hometown of Reading, fans were eagerly anticipating a long-awaited performance from the local protégés.
The beginning of the set was dogged by sound problems. After a couple of false starts, the band was soon in the swing of things. A pounding beat shook the tiny venue, with Chloe Alper up front rocking the bass, synth and heading towards to the NME Cool List. A packed audience listened attentively as deep bass and harmonious vocals soared, blending an ethereal sound with a huge electro influence.
To my delight, the band produced the wall of sound that is synonymous with their live shows, much heavier then on record. The new tracks are accessible to a non-prog audience, but still utilise beautiful harmonies and good ole fashioned rock ‘n’ roll that bought them to the attention of super-label SonyBMG, signing them in 2004.
The performance was faultless, with Chloe and Jon Courtney swapping from guitars to synths and keyboards, effortlessly showing off their multi-instrumental talents. This is a band that knows and loves music, so attuned into making an incredible sound that leaves you in awe. As well as delighting with their new direction, they played tracks Bright Ambassadors Of Morning to not forget their fantasy-inspired sound, taken from a blend of The Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. However, despite all of this I find it hard to get really excited about this band, they just don’t speak to me, I can’t relate to it and it doesn’t evoke anything in me.
Heading all over the UK and Europe on a 31-day tour, they are definitely worth checking-out, if not to support a band that are doing their own thing and being completely original, then to watch a band create a sonic wonderland that will completely envelop you.
First published 04.03.2009
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