InsideOut Music (Century Media) releases for the first time Polish Rock band Riverside’s debut album, Out of Myself – first released on a different label back in 2003. It features the then line-up of Mariusz Duda on vocals and bass, the sadly departed Piotr Grudzinski on guitar, Piotr Kozieradzki on drums, and Jacek Melnicki on keyboards. It is remastered by Dan Swano/Unisound (Opeth, Katatonia, Nightingale), and features artwork by Travis Smith (Opeth, Katatonia, Psychotic Waltz). This re-release is available as a Special Edition CD Digipak with sticker, and on 180g vinyl with bonus CD...

'The Same River' begins with a switching radio tuner, like in Pink Floyd’s 'Wish You Were Here'. Touches of delay guitar is supported by rumbling bass and water-like keyboards. There is a nice drum rolling pattern to accompany a guitar piece as the track picks-up the pace. Mystical voices swim into the background, before the whole becomes much heavier with a timing change and a new melody. One riff is briefly reminiscent of Iron Maiden. But this is most definitely forever-changing Progressive Rock. The vocals are half-spoken, half-sung. The feel turns funky for a keyboard solo. Then the entire thing slows down a little for the finale guitar solo. The music is very much influenced by Pink Floyd, but without the quirky individualism.

'Out of Myself' has whispered vocals (‘Voices in my head’) accompanied at first by a bass riff, then drums, before the Rock guitar – albeit rather trebly – intercedes. Angry vocals for a while are much more to my liking as a Metal fan. Background talking voices at a party introduce 'I Believe', with weird keyboard sounds and an internal voice (‘I think I’m getting out of myself’). A nice acoustic piece and low, heartfelt words work really well. It has a sort of Jethro Tull feel – or, perhaps, early Marillion. Very nice. In 'Reality Dream' we have a ticking clock which brings in a warbling and throbbing. Bang! And suddenly piercing keyboards and chunky guitar takes over with solos. This is an instrumental, and not a very entertaining one.

'Loose Heart' has a choppy beat with keyboards soaring behind it. The vocals are hesitant in keeping with the mood of the song. There is a very nice guitar solo in this one. The great angry vocals make a late entry, too. 'Reality Dream II' is heavy on the drums, and hints at an unattainable telephone contact. I love the thick and heavy guitar pattern riff, which is then copied by something similar on the keyboards. Infinitely more exciting than the first 'Reality Dream'. 'In Two Minds' has acoustic guitar with almost whispered vocals, which then become steadily more normal. Cutting guitar enters at certain points. The vocals on this one are very good. An electric guitar solo is kept mercifully short. Another really strong song.

'The Curtain Falls' allows a keyboard melody to lead it in. The reverb guitar is effective, interspaced by breathy vocals which create quite an atmosphere. The second half is much heavier with guitar riffs and breaks. We end with the softly-spoken words of 'OK'. This sound is closer to Nightclub Jazz, and so the beat is repetitive. A very weak song with which to finish an otherwise strong debut album.

8

Ty Power