It’s strange sometimes when an artist that runs in my “circles” evades my attention for several albums. This is the fifth album for Returned to the Earth, and I’m only just now hearing their work. The album is called Stalagmite Steeple, and it released on June 13th.
Returned to the Earth hails from London and is the musical outlet for Robin Peachey. He composes everything and performs the vocals, guitars, piano, and synth. Paul Johnston produces and performs the bass and drums. Steven Peachey also provides some keys.
So, basically, this is a duo. And the music deftly avoids many labels. The music has a certain retro prog rock vibe to it, but it honestly doesn’t play out that way. It’s more of a melodic rock and pop sound with some alternative and prog references. The music is based mostly around Robin’s excellent vocals and emotional guitars. In fact, more than once, I felt some Pendragon vibes in his guitar playing, but the music sounds rather modern and beautiful. It is also rather reserved. There aren’t many rocking moments here. It is a cautious, introspective album.
I should emphasize that last point. This is an album of subtle glory. It really is a wonderful record, but it isn’t an immediate, in-your-face one. Robin’s voice is melodic, and the hooks he uses are gentle. The guitar work and piano really add to the experience, highlighting the hovering emotions. The songs don’t tend towards climatic moments of heaviness, either, but towards nuanced instrumentals that are constructed by adding rhythmic layers and multiple melodies. There are only a few moments where the drums start thundering somewhat and the guitars start roaring.
Stalagmite Steeple has six songs and they are all good. I love the opener and single “Dark Morality”; it typifies the album with its slow and steady approach and gradual crescendo that never gets too loud and towering, but the song is still very satisfying. “The Final Time” comes next and is rather evocative and ballad-like. The melody here takes its time and forces your heart to slow down and consider it. Another favorite is the title track with its expressive guitars and floating melody that brings plenty of musical space. The guitar work on the title track is particularly delicious.
My favorite on the album is probably “Meaningless to Worth”; this piece is again reserved and quiet for most of its runtime. It flutters subtly and draws in the listener, and the simple yet effective guitar lick that emerges is memorable for me. I can’t get enough of that one. “Die for Me” is perhaps a little more dynamic in its percussion and there is a sense of anticipation that the band manages very well; it’s a great tune. The closer “The Raging Sea” is actually quite calm, something of a ballad I might say, and I like how it offers final minutes focused on elegant vocals and a velvety melody.
Look, I’ve seen some trying to sell Returned to the Earth as something Porcupine Tree fans would eat up, but I don’t think that’s the case, not unless we are talking about their earlier, more ambient albums. Stalagmite Steeple isn’t a thriller, it just isn’t. It’s more like a comforting, graceful, and sophisticated art piece. It has layers that only emerge as you listen again and again, and it is certainly beautiful. If you like that sort of music, indulge yourself here.
________________
Find Returned to the Earth online:
________________
________________
The PROG Mind 