Album review: PATTERN-SEEKING ANIMALS – Friend Of All Creatures

GEP [Release date 14.02.25]

Pattern-Seeking Animals were formed in 2018 with this being their fifth studio album, and first for their new label GEP, having previously been signed to InsideOut Music. Pattern-Seeking Animals line-up remains that of Ted Leonard (vocals, guitar), Dave Meros (bass), John Boegehold (keys, synths, guitars, vocals) and Jimmy Keegan (drums).

Never ones to shy away from an epic tune, the album opens with a nine-minute musical joyride that is ‘Future Perfect World’. The harmony vocals on here are magnificent and set the bar high for the rest of the album.

The listener barely has time to make tea when as the album’s big epic ‘Another Holy Grail’ arrives next. Ted Leonard is one of the finest, yet possibly most underrated, singers in prog rock circles. He’s not too shabby on guitar either as the solos on this song highlight.

John Boegehold is a key part of Pattern-Seeking Animals sound, not only as the main songwriter, but for the musical arrangements on each song. These really come to life on an epic like ‘Another Holy Grail’ where in parts you feel a whole orchestra is involved.

Elsewhere on the album, ‘In My Dying Days’ has a lovely 70s era Kansas feel, whilst ‘Days We’ll Remember’ is as wistful and mellow as the song’s title suggests. ‘Words of Love Evermore’ taps into the classic 70s sound of the likes of Yes and Genesis, without being a total plagiarism that some bands have been in the past.

With Spock’s Beard seemingly on indefinite hiatus, Pattern-Seeking Animals fit that musical hole nicely for those, like this reviewer, who enjoy melody led progressive rock and not endless solos for the sake of it (looking at you Dream Theater!). The album grows after repeated plays and is as good as their previous albums, and perhaps with more time spent in the album’s company could end up as one of their finest musical moments to date. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 6 April 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 8 April 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 21 April 2025

THE DEVIL WEARS NADA Late Night Talking (Eonian Records)
DROWNING POOL Madness (SBG Records)
PARKER BARROW Make It (indie)
REDIKIN Nailed It (Wormholedeath)
PENNY FOUNTAIN Euphoria (indie)
CRY FOR MERCY Saving Grace (indie)
VIGILANTES Life In The Fast Brain (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 21 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.