I have to confess before writing this review that I had not come across RPWL before but, in saying that, as soon as I saw the band were on the Inside Out/SPV label my interest was instantly raised. That particular label has a talent for finding progressive bands that deliver supremely played music with great character and one small glance at my CD collection will demonstrate my love of that genre.

It’s worth using the words of vocalist Yogi Lang to describe what the band set out to achieve on this album. He says, “We simply made music that we ourselves enjoy. We didn’t want to hold back and so we let our ideas run riot with musical lightness”. After spending a lot of time with this album I think it’s fair to say that the band, to a large extent, have achieved this.

Opening with “Silenced”, a track that brings to mind the gentler side of Porcupine Tree mixed with a smattering of the Alan Parsons Project, the hypnotic rhythm and riffs take the listener on a very satisfying nigh on ten-minute musical ride. “Breathe In Breathe Out” on the other hand echoes “King” by Marillion. As a song it’s nice and simple and flows effortlessly. It's also commercial and catchy enough to warrant a bit of radio airplay. “Where Can I Go” is mid-tempo with jangling guitars and minimal melody in the vocal lines, reminiscent a little of Oasis.

“Masters Of War” is without doubt one of the highlights on the album. This is song writing and musicianship coming together to make a supremely crafted slab of stirring and stimulating music. If you’re a Pink Floyd fan you will fall head over heels in love with this song. The guitar solo drips with Dave Gilmour like string bends and licks. It may be a very obvious nod to the Floyd but it is done with taste and flair. “This Is Not A Prog Song” is a more than accurate description, more a bouncy pop song with a very subtle Beatles like vibe. Lyrically the song is succinct and the band know exactly” where they’re at” and what they’re doing here. However “Watch Myself” lets things down a little. A mid-tempo dirge with a slightly Radiohead like quality musically it just doesn't get under the skin. Luckily “Stranger” gets things well and truly back on track. Lyrically the song hits hard and musically it delivers on many levels whilst the performance is slightly tougher and shows the band can bite as well as bark.

“River” is simply a beautiful piece of songwriting; in fact I would go as far as saying it’s sublime, pulling the listener along and leading you down some very “out there” and “trippy” pathways. Picking up the tempo is “Choose What You want To Look At”, a rocker that isn’t afraid to dip into musical clichés. It will appeal to those who like their indie being mixed with straight rock and if there were ever another film for the drug culture like “Train Spotting” this song would make a perfect soundtrack. It’s catchy and immediate and like an itch you don’t want to scratch. “Turn Back The Clock” closes the album in great style. The melodies are achingly delicate and the lyrics once more tap into what many think and feel as the years go by.

As an album “The RPWL Experience” flows and is paced perfectly. It took a few listens to really reward and start to reveal its charms but with persistence you can find much in this album to satisfy. For lovers of Pink Floyd, Marillion and The Flower Kings this album deserves attention, as there are many moods and moments which recall these fine bands.

Let us know your views on The RPWL Experience

Track Listing

Silenced
Breathe In, Breathe Out
Where Can I Go?
Masters Of War
This Is Not A Prog Song
I Watch Myself Sleeping
Stranger
Talk To The River
Choose What You Want To Look At
Turn Back The Clock
 

Line Up

Yogi Lang - Vocals/Keyboards
Kalle Wallner - Guitars
Chris Postl - Bass/
Manni Müller - Drums
Markus Jehle - Keyboards