Next up is the three part, epic centre-piece to the album “Comatose”. The first section, clocking in at nearly eight minutes, “View From The Seashore”, gets into intensely personal territory. It's background is honestly revealed during an in-car interview with Nick on the DVD.
The second section “Space Cadet”, is the folly of youth that leads us into a dark, all too relevant, and chillingly crazed finale.
The last section of “Comatose”, “Home And Dry” tells of a young person lured and absorbed into a cult before waking one day to see that all he believed is suddenly meaningless. All three parts are intensely powerful stuff, set within a powerful production.
It takes us on to the dramatic, driving track, “The Freak Show”. Recent addition Scott Higham’s drums never take the easy route, and combine with the excellent bass of Peter Gee, to provide a solid, yet endlessly shifting structure.
Above this, Nick Barrett adds every possible texture within the music whilst never losing sight of his overall concept. It is a remarkable achievement highlighted by a quick viewing of the documentary. Clive's keys are never over-stated, or overplayed, understanding that same concept perfectly. Watch out for a magnificent sample entitled 'Manic Guru'.
The album closes with the incredible “It’s Only Me”. It’s a fitting piece of magnificence to end an album which has to go down as arguably Pendragon’s finest moment in their now 30 year odyssey.
Unfortunately, I just had to hit play again, sending my dog, and his owner, into yet more raptures. This album is so good it just had to be done.
Catch up on Pendragon at their official website and look out for a new solo album from Peter Gee and forthcoming tour dates.
Article comments
1 - Paul Roy
Nice review. The clips from the new album on their website sound great. I'll definitely have to check this one out.