Riverside - Out Of Myself

Year of Release: 2004
Label: The Laser's Edge
Catalog Number: LE1039
Format: CD
Total Time: 53:11:00

Riverside's opening track "The Same River" takes about 4:00 minutes just to get started, not the way to make it on the radio (and thank god for that). About 7:00 minutes in we get to hear vocalist/bassist Mariusz Duda for the first time, his mid range vocals work very well with the dark themed music. Guitarist Piotr Grudzinski is all over this track, with his melodic yet heavier edged guitar playing. The overall feel of the opener is akin to the 80's progressive movement, with the addition of heavier guitar.

An aggressive streak shows on the title track, with vocalist Duda screaming in anger, I certainly would not want to be his therapist. "I Believe," "OK" and "In Two Minds" are taken right out of the Porcupine Tree school of writing, atmospheric moody tracks that provide balance. The best moments on the disc are the two instrumentals "Reality Dream (Parts I & II)," and it shows that the band may be playing it a bit safe on some of the vocal oriented tracks, as keyboardist Jacek Melnicki really chews up the keyboards and puts his time in alongside guitarist Grudzinski, who again adds his melodic touch. "The Curtain Falls" has a really good groove and pace, and I like the use of the harmony vocals in certain sections. The use of guitar brings to mind the best days of Marillion's Steve Rothery.

As has been mentioned previously, the album is full of dark brooding music and lyrics. The depressing lyrics deal with someone looking deep into their self and not being happy with what they see. Yet, the melodies are quite catchy for such themes. The band certainly has and plays with intensity and energy. Out Of Myself is a solid debut, strong from start to finish, not a weak track to be found. Riverside is a really good new band that I am hoping develops into something great.

Tracklisting:
The Same River / Out Of Myself / I Believe / Reality Dream / Loose Heart / Reality Dream II / In Two Minds / The Curtain Falls / OK

Musicians:
Mariusz Duda - vocals, bass, acoustic guitar
Piotr Grudzinski - guitar
Piotr Kozieradzki - drums
Jacek Melnicki - keyboards

Discography:
Out Of Myself (2003/2004)
Voices In My Head (EP) (2005/2006)
Second Life Syndrome (2005)
Rapid Eye Movement (2007)
Schizophrenic Prayer (EP) (2008)
Reality Dream (2008)
Anno Domini High Definition (2009)
Memories In My Head (EP) (2011)
Reality Dream Trilogy (box) (2011)
Shrine Of New Generation Slaves (2013)
Love, Fear, And The Time Machine (2015)
Eye Of The Soundscape (2016)
Love, Fear, And The Time Machine (CD/DVD) (2016)
"Lost 'N' Found" - Live In Tilburg (2017)
Wasteland (2018)
Wasteland (CD/DVD 5.1) (2019)

Reality Dream (DVD) (2009)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin PL

Added: October 18th 2004
Reviewer: Eric Porter

Artist website: www.riversideband.pl
Hits: 2662
Language: english