POOR GENETIC MATERIAL leap into fall
		Format CD Country Germany Recorded 2001 Issued 2002 Label QuiXote Cat no. CD 17 Playing time 47:49 Reviewer Sven Eriksen

In Tarkus no 18 we reviewed PGM’s debut album and characterized the record as a careful and frugal alternative pop. On their new album, they have included more permanent members and have thus become a "real" band. The music has also moved in a more progressive direction with more apparent traces of 70s prog rock, yet with a distinct modern sound. A kind of modern retro-prog without the conform rules of neo prog, but with a more free attitude.

They open with the 16 minute "Rush Of Ages" which moves through five different parts without changing character all that much. "Thin Red Line" starts with a veritable ocean of keyboards, and is the track, together with the title cut "Leap Into Fall", which most closely follows up the pop elements from the debut album. A mix of A-Ha and Camel. But they also do more complex and original stuff; on "Star Of Eden" they move almost into Gentle Giant-country.

Philipp Jaehns keyboards and Philip Griffith’s voice are still their main assets, but as a unit, PGM stands firmer here than on their debut album.

© 2002 Tarkus Magazine

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