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Update: We have posted our interview with Mariusz of Riverside here
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Just when I thought my only source of new good progressive rock was Porcupine Tree and potentially another album from Tool in the next five years if we’re lucky… I came across Riverside. I literally just found these guys and not only immediately purchased Rapid Eye Movement (2007) but also developed an urge to write a post right away. Furthermore, I didn’t finish the post before I finished the album, so obviously I had to buy Voices in My Head (2005) as well.
If you like Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Tool, and/or Opeth, then Riverside should be part of your next purchase. I was just checking to see what Porcupine Tree albums I was still missing and happened to see Riverside as a recommendation. They really remind me of early Dream Theater mixed with Porcupine Tree, and actually they’ve been touring with Dream Theater in Europe. They’ve definitely got a European take on the whole progessive rock genre. I honestly can’t figure out why they’re not touring in the states, but I bet it won’t be long before that changes.
The overall tone of Rapid Eye Movement is pretty mello, but has some hints of metal every now and then. It definitely gives off an initial impression of Dream Theater since it has prominent guitar and keyboard elements. But I don’t find Riverside as flashy and I like their singer a lot better. James LaBrie just wants to be an opera singer too much for my liking. The singer in Riverside is definitely good, I just wish he was a little more prominent. I get the feeling he’s better than he lets off to be and often lets the vocals take the back seat when the song really could use some strong vocals to drive just a little more energy into the song. Voices in My Head gives me more of an In Absentia Porcupine Tree feel… particularly the track Dna ts. Rednum or F. Raf. This EP is a little short, but there are also three high quality live recordings at the end… at least on the iTunes version. I can’t tell if that’s typically part of the EP since their website doesn’t list the tracks.
I found a pleasant surprise on their website. Just go to their discography and check out some of the albums. They offer a few free downloads between the Riverside promo album and Out of Myself. Hopefully it will be enough to encourage you to make a purchase. Anyways, I don’t think Riverside is breaking into any new territories, but they’re definitely good and deserve more attention than they’re getting. In addition, you can check out two clips from the latest album Rapid Eye Movement; Beyond the Eyelids and Cybernetic Pillow.
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