It’s time for another album from The Pineapple Thief. I’ll be honest and admit that I wasn’t looking forward to this one, not after the last couple albums, which I really did not like. In fact, I thought about skipping it until their PR person messaged me directly to ask for a review. So I gave it a shot, and I will be the first to admit that It Leads to This is the band’s best album since 2016’s Your Wilderness. Damn, I can’t believe that was eight years ago already. Anyways, the new album releases on February 9th through Kscope.
The Pineapple Thief has been around for quite a while now, since at least 1999. They are a recognizable name in progressive rock, and perhaps they’ve never quite been given their due. For this record, and for the last three, they’ve recruited the great Gavin Harrison of Porcupine Tree as band member and drummer. The rest of the crew includes Bruce Soord on guitars and vocals, Jon Sykes on bass and backing vocals, and Steve Kitch on keys.
The band has always played something of a melancholy, reserved prog rock. I’ve always thought it was influenced as much by indie rock and alternative as it is by classic progressive rock. The last couple albums have, in my opinion, been so reserved as to eliminate any and all dynamics in their music; most of the tracks never went anywhere, and the lyrics have been choppy, repetitive, and halfhearted. Perhaps that sounds harsh, but I challenge you to find a worthwhile stanza to share.
It Leads to This is different, though. The lyrics have more flourish and meat. The music has more muscle and even instrumental portions that border on exciting. I’ll say that this might be Harrison’s best outing with the band, especially in his legendary cymbal dance. I’ll also say that Bruce’s guitars, while not technical, have more bite, Jon’s bass is noticeably awesome on several tracks, and Steve’s keys are vital for this album’s success.
Yes, this feels like a totally different band to me. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it still sounds like TPT music, and Bruce has a very specific vocabulary he uses for lyrics, but this feels much more varied, poetic, and downright interesting. I’ve often wondered about TPT’s ups and downs, or at least what it is that causes me to connect with some of their works, such as Someone Here is Missing or All the Wars, and not connect with others. What is it? Is my contract fulfillment radar extra sensitive for them? Does Bruce prefer to write in a certain style at certain times of his life? I really don’t know what it is.
It Leads to This is a good and solid album, probably middle of the pack as far as their discography goes. I’ll say right away, too, that the second half of the album is far stronger than the first half. In the first four tracks, we get the two singles, the title track and “The Frost”. The title track has grown on me, though I didn’t like it at first. It feels pretty weak until you gather the nuance. “The Frost” is a good song with some edge, though I’ll also say that it is repetitive, even though the ambient portion in the middle is gravy and I love the bass guitar. Honestly, the opener “Put It Right” is also good, though it does go anywhere, but I find myself enjoying the ambience. Now, “Rubicon” is a great song and the best in the first half; it has real structure and substance to it, and I like the searing guitar work and bold chorus. Great tune.
The last four songs are the best overall, though. “All That’s Left” has both subtle technique and flashy guitar work, and so it is an exciting listen, at least for TPT music. “Now It’s Yours” hits next, and continues the trend with a slow burning piece that feels velvety and beautiful, and even though I wouldn’t say it is explosive whatsoever, its downtempo groove in the second half is so cool.
“Every Trace of Us” again has great and vivid guitar work with an uncommon tone, and it sounds so good. I really like Harrison’s drums on this track, as they are punctuated with deft fills and expansive cymbals, much like his Porcupine Tree work. The closer, “To Forget” is similar to the previous three tracks in that it has a loud-quiet dynamic, and so sometimes it hovers gorgeously, while other times it burns with passion. It’s a great ending. I will admit, though, that the last four tracks are pretty similar to one another, as much as I like hearing them.
The Pineapple Thief is a veteran band and they are doing what they want, and I respect that. It Leads to This is their most interesting work in some time, though, at least for me. This album has a more vigorous and vivid vision of what they should be, and the lyrics are soulful and varied. I don’t think this will be called their greatest album, but it is rock solid and fans will be pleased.
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The PROG Mind 
I like it very much and I’m happy with it nuff said
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