Poor Genetic Material: Here Now

German progressive rock band Poor Genetic Material has been a mainstay in the progressive community since the year 2000 and released their twelfth album in 2020 titled Here Now, the follow up to their 2016 release Absence. In the band are:

Philip Griffiths (lead and backing vocals)
Stefan Glomb (guitars)
Philipp Jaehne (keyboards)
Pia Darmstaedter (flute)
Dennis Sturm (bass)
Dominik Steinbacher (drums and backing vocals)
Martin Griffiths (lead vocals on track 5)

This is a group of veteran musicians, and the band exudes quality throughout the album’s six tracks beginning with the excellent title track. Talk about an addictive earworm to hook the listener almost immediately. It starts out slow with melodic guitar before speeding up with great bass and perky keyboards. Griffiths has a great voice, very laid back and melodic and there is almost a 10cc vibe at times, particularly with the backing vocals and overall quirkiness. With “Serendipity� the mood is upbeat and catchy and includes some nice flute and keyboard work and in “The Waiting Game� the varying moods, tempos and textures make this an album highlight. The longest track is the thirteen minute “The Garden� featuring the lead vocals of Philip’s dad Martin Griffiths, best known for his work in the ‘70s band Beggars Opera. He does a great job as the song traverses various shades of heavy and light and the guitar solo is one of the disc’s best.

Here Now is an outstanding album of melodic rock and prog and is certainly worthy of your attention. Easily recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Here Now
2. Serendipity
3. The Waiting Game
4. Note From My Younger Self
5. The Garden
6. This Place

Added: September 22nd 2021
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 708
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]