ALBUM REVIEW: Versions Of The Truth – The Pineapple Thief

THE PINEAPPLE THIEF have been creating their own unique blend of progressive rock for a staggering 20 years plus and have zero intention of slowing down any time soon. Their thirteenth studio album entitled Versions Of The Truth is out now via Kscope, will this release be a revered addition to their storied catalogue?

In most cases you expect an album to come launching out of the gates to grab your attention but Versions Of The Truth chooses to adopt a more sombre, subtle approach which is equally as engrossing. The dramatic prose and poignant narrative combined with tasteful piano segments begins to lure you down the rabbit hole. Break It All follows up with a more lively tempo as energetic bursts and punchy drumming make their presence felt in a tense yet inviting setting.  Demons continues the minimalistic approach, offering up some alluring and peaceful atmospherics alongside clean acoustic tones.

Driving Like Maniacs reprises the solemn, emotive tones. The mood is as thought provoking as it is cathartic, whisking you away on its lyrical journey. Leave Me Be follows a similar path whilst injecting bright, quirky instrumentation to accompany the smooth vocal work. Too Many Voices provides a particularly introspective moment of contemplation within its precise but fine construction. The layered vocal sections appropriately assist in depicting the soundscape.

Our Mire slips some addictive drum dabbling into the mix, taking a prominent place and heightening the theatrical nature of the piece. Eccentric experimentation adds a distinct uniqueness in comparison to its counterparts. Out Of Line tugs on your heart strings with an overarching melancholic vibe. An abrupt yet emphatically placed silence leaves a brief instance where you could hear a pin drop and short sharp piano keys feel extraordinarily piercing. The vocal work that is littered throughout Stop Making Sense feels so tinged with sadness and pain to the point where you can almost feel it cutting through your soul. If you are expecting a euphoric happy ending you may be somewhat disappointed as The Game continues the premise instilled by previous tracks, continuing to wrap you in swathes of sorrow, leaving you with a marked level of despair as it departs.

Depending on how you choose to interpret this journey Versions Of The Truth could soothe your heart or it could shatter you into pieces. The lyrical content could prove to be particularly challenging listen to some as it traverses through a variety of emotional stages and experiences. THE PINEAPPLE THIEF have composed an incredibly thought provoking narrative which encapsulates the listener from beginning to end and this is commendable in itself but this may not be everyone’s first choice of album given the abundance of talent offered this year so far.

Rating: 7/10

Versions Of The Truth is out now via Kscope.

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