Album review: THE PINEAPPLE THIEF – Far And Wide

InsideOut Music [Release date 09.10.26]

After 20 years with KScope, prog metal band The Pineapple Thief make their debut with Inside Out.

With roots going back to 1999, the band centre around vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist Bruce Soord, and bassist Jon Sykes who has been in the band since 2002; completing the band are keyboard player Steve Kitch and drummer Gariv Harrison, the latter having also played with Porcupine Tree and King Crimson.

This is the band’s 16th studio album, and the band have been together long enough (on stage and in the studio) for this to have a natural feel, organic even. It’s punchy, and less sprawling than some prog metal albums.

New World Order is a good opener, with a memorable melody, some harmony in the vocals, and interesting rhythms. Hold The Ashes shifts the mood and rhythms, some good guitar work, and with each instrument and vocal well mixed, clarity comes through. Still Living is a gentler track but still the drums and guitar will grab your attention.

The 6 minute The Empty Space stands out, not just in feel but the guitar work is wonderful. The keyboard laying and the drumming work are top end.

While most of the tracks lie in the 4 to 6 minute range, which does feel a little safe, the organic feel and exceptional ‘groove’ do elevate the album. And the definite highlight is the closing 7+ minute No Exception, standout work from all four band members and a little more explorative, something you’d expect from longer more sprawling numbers. The longer guitar solo on this final track takes you away for too short a time, fantastic but something we need more of.

The album is almost mainstream without being commercial, thus a good listen to those new to the band, and hopefully leading to some deep discography digging. ****

Review by Joe Geesin

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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Josh now hosts “Taerk’s Tracks” as part of the Singer Songwriter Sunday sequence on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio.

This is the first show broadcast on 27 September. Josh presents some of his inspirational artists and tracks.

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Power Plays w/c 26 October 2026

BLACK RIVER DELTA Shame On You (Despotz Records)
DAYTONA Listen To The Silence (Escape Music)
SUCKERTRAP Sacred Lies (indie)
WOOD BURNT RED Count My Blessings (indie)
BLACKLIST UNION Heavy Is The Crown (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 26 October 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

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