Pinn Drop - For The Love Of Drama Progressive Voyages Review PV075
Pinn Drop – For The Love Of Drama – Progressive Voyages Review PV075
Pinn Drop hail from Poland this is their fourth album after 2017' Re- verse Re- Treat and Re- Unite, 2018's Perfectly Formed, 2021'S Calling From Some Far Forgotten Land and 2023's Live In Lodz recorded at the appearance at the 2022 Marillion Weekend.
This album is a little different in that it is conceptual although not a concept album as such, rather it shares a concurrent theme of seeking and regaining identity after a crisis happens in your life. It uses imagery and historical figures as a point of reference in the lyrics of the songs, although this is not immediately apparent or obvious.
The album starts with the brief atmospheric track First Steps which is instrumental, this is followed by Unholy which is a mix of heavy Sabbath type guitar riffery alongside more Progressive elements and synthesisers,. Vocalist Matt J has more than a trace of Ronnie James Dio in his style and tone, it has a great mix of heavy and hard and makes a strong impression as you listen. The guitar work of Piotr Sym is very impressive here and is a strong opening statement of intent and purpose which bodes well for all that is to follow. The guitar riff for this track is excellent powerful and very impressive I really like this track.
Point Of No Return is next and this opens with lots of keyboards and synths and even includes a snippet of Bohemian Rhapsody for good measure which is an unusual touch but an effective one at that before a muscular guitar riff takes centre stage, and a strong pulsating bass line is added to the sound. There is a lot happening throughout this track and it is very compelling listening here, the words are very evocative of one who is facing up to an issue in their life and the fallout of their actions as they realise that they have crossed a line that cannot be erased simply and that it calls for their retreat from life to a solitary existence.
Recycled Feelings follows and takes a more wistful tone of introspection, whilst it’s tone might be more gentle, this remains a very emotionally laden track with an expressive vocal and fine guitar work from Piotr and the rest of the band gelling together in a most sympathetic way to really wring out the emotions of the track.
Again this track impresses it’s gentle nature conceals it’s deep emotions extremely subtly.
We then have an instrumental track They Are Here which after a deceptive opening of birdsong has atmospheric keyboards which lead into Logismoi where a strong riff launches headlong into a very Iron Maiden type gallop which is really fine playing, and a great vocal delivery from Matt J. Bassist Pawel Wolinski captures the gallop of Steve Harris most convincingly and sound monstrous here this is a highly impressive track and very strong musically indeed.
We then have which is an oddly angular sounding track,
The track is a kind of realisation for the need to change your direction as the main character accepts the changes he must make and returns from his self-imposed Exile to live a more balanced and ordered life. Once again the vocals are reminiscent of Geoff Tate of Queensryche.
Title Track For The Love Of Drama is next and this has a wistfulness about it, with sounds that recall Pink Floyd. This longer song has four distinct sections part one is soft part 2 steps it up a little more with some good dynamics and an impassioned vocal and a strong guitar break and a reoccurring piano motif that balances the sound most effectively it also has a good free flowing piano solo that catches the ear. Part 3 is a twist type part although I find it’s meaning a little obscure, that is probably me missing the point though. Overall this is an interesting and different track, one that seeks to tie the story or different strands together .
Next track Hugag opens softly and gradually builds in its intensity most effectively with a strong synthesiser part. This is a slow burn of a song there is a very tasteful guitar break towards the end of the track with very distinctive drumming that makes a favourable impression once more.
The final track is another instrumental Last Footsteps which is mainly piano and keyboards, it is very gentle and with a haunting melody it concludes what is a very interesting album even if its theme is a tad obscure in parts. The music is very fine though throughout and the album makes a great listen.
It is very well performed and sounds great, the vocalist is excellent as is the guitarist and the remainder of the band all deliver their parts with great conviction and polish.
I find this to be a worthwhile release but one you may need to hear a few times to really begin to appreciate it fully.
Info here; www.pinndrop.bandcamp.com
Author John Wenlock-Smith