In Progress: Gravediggers

Having been dormant - in recording terms anyway - for over a decade, John Dillon (vocals/guitar/bass/programming/additional synthesizers and keyboards) and Jake Rosenberg (keyboards/piano) return under the banner In Progress. For Gravediggers the pair have been joined by drummer Rickard Langnesund for an album that seems to head them away from the slightly electronic journey 2014’s North Atlantic Echoes took them on, and instead heads into plaintive prog surrounds that might also house Porcupine Tree and in places The Pineapple Thief. Especially given the lengthy lay-off, this is a confident step from the band, patience key both in composition and in unlocking what’s been presented. For some Dillon’s vocals may not be the most immediate, but in his lower register his admittedly serious tones do hit home. “Half Way Back� is one of the best examples, cascading keys ably backed by tumbling drums, a keen if muted melody and those syrupy vocals. When the simple but expressive guitar solo then takes control the effect deepens further before being driven home by some excellent - and again cleverly understated - keys.

“Deadworld� plays on the more taught, austere side of In Progress, but the deep riff that ebbs and flows throughout drags you in by the scruff of the neck and refuses to let go. Personally, I find “Wasteland� possibly stretches things a little too far, its dowdy atmosphere resolutely difficult to break down and even though it runs to over 11 minutes, a little too singular in its focus to really stay the course. Given that it’s the album’s longest piece, it is a little unfortunate but with it being surrounded by the more dynamically pleasing “Along The Coast� and the optimistically presented - in music anyway - title track, it is the album’s only missed step, if a lengthy one.

Ten years-plus is a long time for any band to be away but thankfully Gravediggers doesn’t find In Progress digging a deep hole for themselves. Having created a slow grower of an album that even many listens down the line reveals more nuance, with this outing hopefully the duo of Dillon and Rosenberg can create a little momentum and deliver a quick(er) fire follow up that builds on what they’ve laid down here.

Track Listing
1. Our Escape
2. First Light
3. Need Machine
4. Half Way Back
5. Deadworld
6. Someday
7. Afterflame
8. Along The Coast
9. Wasteland
10. Gravediggers

Added: October 15th 2024
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: In Progress @ bandcamp
Hits: 418
Language: english

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