Parzivals Eye: Defragments

Initially viewed as a side project, Parzivals Eye would, what with his subsequent departure from RPWL, appear now to be the primary concern of Chris Postl. Known as the bassist in his previous band, here Postl exercises his vocal, keyboard, guitar, mandolin and bass skills to good effect, however with a backing band/guest list including Ian Bairnson (Alan Parsons/Kate Bush) on guitar, Phil Paul Rissettio (RPWL) on drums and Christina Booth (Magenta) on vocals, he isn't alone in displaying his talents.

Musically things pretty much follow on from where the Parzivals Eye debut, Fragments, and even RPWL left off, melodic rock meeting neo prog head on in a crafted, classy fashion. Melody is king here and while all the musicians are given an amount of freedom to stretch out, it would appear that if the song doesn't benefit from it, it doesn't go in (an ethos many could learn from). Vocally Postl undeniably reminds of his ex-band mate Yogi Lang and in truth, at times, that fact makes you have to remind yourself that it isn't actually RPWL you're listening to as the easy pace and soaring keyboards of "Liar" swoops past. One of the shorter tracks on the album, the complexity and scope of this number illustrates that Parzivals Eye can make a big impact in sharp bursts; the melancholy of "Out On The Streets" and shimmering guitar lines and sing along chorus of "Journeys" amongst the many highlights. However there's no denying that it is the three lengthy numbers which really hit the heights, "Reach The Sky" a hugely involving/evolving album introduction, "Walls In My Mind" given the means to grow into the album's darkest piece – ambient noise and sound clips used to excellent and lengthy effect, while "Hiding Out" closes things on a surprisingly jaunty note, even if it is in a self controlled and intentionally self conscious manner. Add in two interesting, if reasonably faithful, covers in Supertramp's "Two Of Us", which is realised in more claustrophobic style and the Yes classic "Long Distance" (we seemed to have jumped off the Runaround…?) where Booth positively shines as she adds a completely new edge to an old friend.

There's no denying that for some, the style Parzivals Eye concentrate on will be more than a little tame and gentle. However if you've been energised by the less is more style that either their previous album, or RPWL utilise to such great effect, then Defragments will also have no problem in hitting that particular sweet spot.

Track Listing
1. Reach The Sky
2. Liar
3. Out on the Street
4. Long Distance
5. Lift Me Up
6. Journeys
7. Walls In My Mind
8. Two of Us
9. No Belief
10. Hiding Out

Added: August 23rd 2015
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Parzivals Eye online
Hits: 1817
Language: english

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