Album review: PATTERN-SEEKING ANIMALS – Only Passing Through

InsideOut Music [Release date 01.04.22]

Pattern-Seeking Animals consists of current and former Spock’s Beard members Ted Leonard, Jimmy Keegan and Dave Meros in addition to long-time contributing songwriter-producer John Boegehold. ‘Only Passing Through’ is the band’s third album and again is of a high standard, a mix of the band’s love of a short, catchy songs and longer, more involved epics.

‘Rock Paper Scissors’ was released as a lead track and it sees the band recalling childhoods of the past. Surprisingly not the most instant song on the album, that honour falls to ‘Just Another Day At The Beach’. As its title suggests is one for a summery day, driven by the rock steady bass of Dave Meros and a bright chorus, instant candy on the ears.

The mellow refrain of ‘Here With You With Me’ allows the band to highlight their vocal harmonies, on a musical backing that recalls the 70s output from the likes of Yes and Kansas. Eight minutes of musical wonder. Speaking of Kansas, listening to ‘I’m Not Alright’ you’d think it was Steve Walsh in full vocal flight. Even the keys and guitar have a distinct Kansas feel about them.

The musical arrangements on a Pattern-Seeking Animals album are always an aural treat, with the closing epic ‘Time Has A Way’ a fine example. It certainly stands up to repeated listens as each subsequent listen reveals another piece in the musical puzzle, be it a little trumpet or congas.

Another wonderful album from Pattern-Seeking Animals to enjoy. They just keep getting better and better and well worth a listen if you’ve yet to try them. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)