Verdict (Rating %): Another effective showcase for a promising act. (90%)
More Info: http://www.pedestriansofblue.com/
POB debut EP "Circles Of Butterflies" received a very positive review at Mood Swings back in 2002. I expected an album to follow. The project seemed to falter and it wasn't until 2004 when founder members Johannes Stole and guitar player Torfinn Sirnes, hooked up with bass player Rudolf Fredly and drummer/producer Harald Levang, that the ball seemed to start rolling again.
POB play a mixture of AOR, hard rock and prog. Think of bands like Styx, Kansas and Saga fused with Metallica and Dream Theater.
"The Garden" develops into a classy melodic hard rock tune that serves as a great introduction to the band. Given the length of time since the last EP, it is perhaps a bit surprising the find a reworked version of "Father & Son" from that EP turning up again here. A good track that has been effectively enhanced this time out. "World Of Thing" starts of with a doom laden intro worthy of Black Sabbath. As it progresses, the verses are more laid back and the chorus is a catchy mixture of Kansas and Styx.
Once again POB have created a very effective showcase for the band's talents. Their blend of AOR, hard rock and prog sounds fresh and modern. The band have a set of songs ready for their debut album. I hope this EP does the trick and persuades a record label to sign the band and release the debut.
