Pattern-Seeking Animals, being: Ted Leonard (lead vocals, guitar), Dave Meros (bass guitar), Jimmy Keegan (drums) and composer, producer John Boegehold (synths, vocals) has four albums under their belts and their last one Spooky Action At A Distance (2023, see review) was their best effort by far; at least in my humble opinion... Their new and fifth album is called Friend Of All Creatures, and it features seven new tracks. Another Holy Grail, the album epic, clocking in just over twelve minutes, is the highlight of this album, starting with an atmospheric piano and vocal introduction, followed by a couple of nice guitar solos and overall, the song really stands out due to strong melodies throughout the entire track. This new Pattern-Seeking Animals epic is indeed an extraordinarily complex song with lots happening at various points and the orchestrations sections make this song rather special and worthwhile listening to while pressing the repeat button more than once! Future Perfect World opens this album, featuring a nearly two-minute instrumental intro, followed by some impressive guitar playing by Leonard and tuneful and fascinating musical sections by the rest, while this opener also has a very strong chorus, which will stick in your head for weeks.... The three shorter songs, being: Dawn The Darkest Road, In My Dying Days and Days We'll Remember, are very recognizable with rather catchy melodies, strong choruses and even sometimes that true laid back feeling, which make these songs perfect to enjoy on a sunny morning in your garden.... The Seventh Sleeper is also a rather "cool" track, featuring almost emotional piano passages, swirling synthesizers and beautiful vocals, while the last song of the album Words Of Love Evermore shifts from light to dark and from guitar to keyboards, making this engaging melody a perfect song to end this wonderful album. So, overall, Friend Of All Creatures is again a magnificent album which continues Pattern-Seeking Animals's ongoing progression, as the band truly improves and develops album by album. In other words, a must have album for fans of Spock's Beard, Enchant and melodic prog rock; another contester for album of the year 2025??? ****+ Martien Koolen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
