The Pineapple Thief - Dissolution Review

The band’s previous release Your Wilderness was one of their most sophisticated yet and whilst Dissolution is a livelier record with a little less focus on acoustic guitar parts it still showcases the group’s ability to write intricate songs. Lyrically Bruce Soord creates a scathing social commentary, focussing on the increasingly problematic current digital and social climate. The stripped back tracks Not Naming Any Names and Pillar of Salt set the tone of the album perfectly, acting as preludes to the songs that follow them. Try as I Might is one of the more straightforward rock tracks, at least structurally, focussing on power and melody rather than creating a precise mood. Threatening War is another prime example of The Pineapple Thief’s more accessible side. It is the band’s ability to juggle direct, minimalist song writing with depth and dexterity that makes them special. Album centrepiece White Mist creates a tense atmosphere and moves between a variety of sections, building towards a stunning climax. Closer Shed a Light is a satisfying conclusion to the record, overcoming the risky move of finishing a rock album with a ballad. The album proves to be a worthy successor to Your Wilderness and although it is not necessarily an immediate record overall, repeated listens are rewarding as subtler features of the music become familiar.

Score: 9/10

Standout Tracks: Try as I Might, White Mist

Genres: Rock / Progressive / Alternative Rock

For fans of: Porcupine Tree, Radiohead, Anathema, Marillion, Steven Wilson