Tall Poppy Syndrome

The term "tall poppy syndrome" refers to a social phenomenon in which people of genuine merit are criticized or resented because their talents or achievements elevate them above or distinguish them from their peers. Naming the album in reference to such a term is rather ironic given the fact the material found here definitely elevates the band above many of its peers in the progressive genre. Taking elements from Opeth, Winds and Porcupine Tree, Leprous assembles these influences in an odd yet undeniably appealing manner. The eclectic arrangements, however, make it impossible to place the band in any specific genre.

The material on the album features the band - being firmly rooted in prog metal - crafting songs around odd structures, predominantly clean vocals, abrupt time changes, complex rhythms and dexterous musicianship all punctuated by contrasting heavier sections. Those moments where the band is at its heaviest typically have the most appeal, but this may be due in part to how sparingly these sections are employed on the album. Had the band come out and crushed from the get-go, not only would the material likely be less memorable but the band would lose some of what distinguishes itself from the crowd.

Gloomy opener "Passing" introduces the listener to the above formula where its quieter verses and atmospheres combine with sections of absolutely crushing melancholy. This song is rather deceptive, though, as the majority of the material here is never as doomy. "Phantom Pain" and "Fate" makes this clear as both start as a quiet ballad before moving towards completely different, though equally powerful, conclusions. The former opts for an abrupt piano line transition into heavier riffing, hammering double bass and jazzy interludes while the latter remains relatively quiet before it swells into a controlled yet robust atmosphere with an absolutely gut wrenching solo.

Keyboardist and lead vocalist Einar Solberg heavily invades the album through various keyboard arrangements ranging from lush atmospheres to classy piano lines. Although the piano is featured throughout, it is never as hauntingly effective as on "Dare You" where the instrument couples with the guitar in a mesmerizing, ambient fashion. The ebb and flow of "Not Even A Name" brings back some of the melancholic hues heard earlier combined with a frantic mix of vocals and the speediest tremolo work on the album. It is these types of styles juxtaposed with one another where Leprous gains its originality.

Further defining themselves amongst the genre, the guitar solos avoid the sweeping, tap-filled hysterics of other progressive outfits. There is just something soulful about how guitarists Tor Oddmund Suhrke and Øystein Landsverk opt for slower leads over the faster rhythms of the other members rather than more technicallydifficult, but ultimately forgettable, fretwork. Nearly every time a solo hits it makes a forceful entrance and demands attention from the listener, which is quite rare, especially in the prog genre where the emphasis is on dazzling musicianship. The album concludes with the 1-2 punch of the dark instrumental "Tall Poppy Syndrome" and the epic closer and personal favorite "White".

It is difficult to try and identify the type of music fan who will enjoy the material on Tall Poppy Syndrome. The album will likely polarize those willing to give it a shot, although the best forms of art typically induce such an immediate response. Anyone with an open mind and looking for something truly unique may just find the answer with this album. - 4.0/5.0

Originally posted at: http://www.kingcripple.blogspot.com/