Album review: PATTERN-SEEKING ANIMALS – Spooky Action At A Distance

InsideOut Music [Release date 27.10.23]

Fourth album from Pattern-Seeking Animals who comprise of multi-instrumentalist John Boegehold, Spock’s Beard duo Ted Leonard (vocals, guitars) and Dave Meros (bass, vocals), and former Spock’s Beard drummer Jimmy Keegan.

What makes Pattern-Seeking Animals rather special is that they do progress their music on each album. This time around we have the groove filled rhythm on ‘Window to the World’, with shades of the Police and the bass of Dave Meros taking a lead with wonderful results.

‘He Once Was’ is their epic track that starts out gently with a melodious vocal from Ted Leonard and plenty of musical delights, which reveal themselves on repeated plays. Do listen to this one, and indeed the whole album, on headphones and giving it your full attention as it is a fully immersive listen. Like the first time you hear Vangelis (there are plenty of synths and orchestrations to enjoy on this album) or Queensryche’s ‘Empire’, music that demands repeated listens.

They also know how to pen a catchy tune as ‘Bulletproof’ proves. You’ll be singing this one after just one listen. ‘Love Is Still the Light’ is the other instant ‘hit’ on the album. Loving the backing vocals arrangement on here.

The CD is worth getting as you get an extra live track recorded at last year’s ProgStock festival, namely ‘Time Has A Way’.

If you like prog and/or melodic rock, then Pattern-Seeking Animals will be perfect for your collection, unless you are already a fan in which case you will already be loving it. One of the finest bands around at the moment. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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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)