Poor Genetic Material: Spring Tidings (15th Anniversary Edition)

Poor Genetic Material is a German progressive rock band which formed in 2000 and have released thirteen studio albums, if you include Spring Tidings twice, originally released in 2006, now having been remixed and mastered, with flute and keyboards being re-recorded. The band felt the redo was necessary to bring the album to life. I have not heard the original so this review will not make comparisons and will look at the new album based on its own merits.

The album begins with “Three Steps Back….�, a mellow guitar and bed of keyboards, almost ambient in nature, is suddenly impacted with a burst of guitar chords. It’s a dramatic moment in what is a very atmospheric track. The catchy “Blow-Up� picks up the pace with its feel-good rhythms, subtle yet dramatic touches, wonderful psych inspired guitar and addictive lead vocals. “April� will surely appease prog fans with its tight rhythmic displays, symphonic orchestrations and Pink Floyd-like atmospheric lead guitar, recalling Gilmour’s classic lap guitar solo in “Division Bell�.

My favourite track has to be the nine plus minute “Watercolours�. It starts with a mellow ambience; the atmosphere emits a supple somberness with the guitar having an almost surreal sound. Then the riffs and drums enter with great aplomb as the band ventures into heavy prog. The soaring guitar solo is an album highlight.

Spring Tidings is an outstanding album from an excellent band and easily earns four stars.

The Players:
Phil Griffiths (vocals)
Stefan Glomb (guitars)
Philipp Jaehne (keyboards)
Dennis Sturm (bass)
Dominik Steinbacher (drums)
With:
Pia Darmstaedter (flute on “Watercolours�)

Track Listing:
1. Three Steps Back
2. Blow-Up
3. April
4. Watercolours
5. Tidings
6. La ville qui n’existait pas
7. Lotus Eaters
8. …Or Right Ahead

Added: January 9th 2022
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 899
Language: english

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