$8.99

PGM's new album, the final part of the seasons series.
Number 1 at Mindawn in May 2006

Reviews:

European Progressive Rock Reviews
March is with us and Spring is on the horizon and PGM have captured the flavour and feel, not only of Spring but also the high expectations of summer's white light. First of all, if there were any doubt that Phil Griffiths was one of the best vocalists in progressive music then this album finally puts to rest that argument, his voice reaches notes that mere mortals can only dream about, they soar and dive effortlessly. Hammond organ runs abound, overlaid with wailing guitars, chorals and crisp notes from the keys, all portraying spring elements. The way the chorals seem to capture March winds and lead into April's sharp showers via the keys is uncannily portrayed to perfection. To say that this music is descriptive of the subject matter is an understatement.
This band has, over their 5 year journey, consistently captured my own feelings and emotions in there music, long may PGM's journey continue. Where will they turn to next for inspiration I wonder. Personally, I hope it is another long term concept as I feel this is the secret of keeping an audience moving along with the band. It's like reading a book that has many volumes, you're being carried along waiting to see what will happen next to the characters and story lines. These four albums have certainly achieved that sense of anticipation. Spring Tidings is a major album of 2006, no doubt about it.

Dutch Progressive Rock Pages
I was listening to Spring Tidings in the car with a friend. Remarking on a passage from the middle of Watercolours, the very long fourth track, I said "Now, doesn't that remind you of - " - and as I spoke the word "Genesis," he simultaneously said "Styx." Now, frankly, I think my comparison was more accurate than his, but I'll give him credit (thanks, Neb!) for helping me make one point about Poor Genetic Material's latest album: audible here and there are numerous influences both more (Styx) and less (early Genesis) commercial. But those influences are audible only in this or that section of this or that song; as a whole, this album is an original spin on seventies progressive rock, and fans of the great bands of that decade will love this album.
This is a very fine progressive concept album - good enough that it makes me want to seek out the three previous "seasons" albums. Just very incidentally, the gorgeous abstract cover art, credited to "Munich-based artist Oliver Schollenberger," makes the album a pleasure to hold and look at and, I'd say, perfectly complements the music. All in all, this is good stuff.

Progressiveworld
Poor Genetic Material plays its musical cards the other way. Where other bands unleash protocol-fueled instrumental breaks with freakish fury, this German band would prefer to let the instrumental sections of their songs mellow out even more than the melodic, cool style they exemplify. The results are something that sounds magically like the 70s: subtlety before volume, atmosphere, not turbulence, and restraint not assault. Simply put, it's beautiful.
Where most bands would take very safe and obvious roads, Poor Genetic Material flows, yet with little predictability. Changes seep in from out of nowhere. Not one song sounds similar. And though the album rocks at times, most of it is pretty laid back and gentle.
Poor Genetic Material is redefining Classic Rock in a modern era. And with enough adventurousness to warrant the prog-rock label, Spring Tidings is a satisfying listen to prog lovers who want to take a break from the metal or neo scene with some clean, accessible music that isn't afraid to be beautiful.

Prognosis
The first ever promo review I did for ProGGnosis was for Leap Into Fall in 2002. It was (and still is) an excellent melodic Prog album and I'm somewhat sad to say that I have not had many CDs to review since, that equaled that rookie effort of mine. In 2003, Poor Genetic Material put out another very good album with Winter's Edge, but for my personal taste, it did not quite have the brilliance of Leap Into Fall (or Summerland that I got to listen to a bit later).
Well, now three years later, Poor Genetic Material is back with a great one. The music on Spring Tidings is just as good as anything I've heard from this great band. Very moving, melodic and sometimes powerful music and Philip Griffiths on vocals has never sounded better.
Those who enjoy the more progressive material of Hogarth led Marillion or the music of fellow Germans Sylvan should really do themselves a favor and check Poor Genetic Material out. Spring Tidings is a great way to start with them, but I'm convinced that after listening to it, you will want to go back in their catalogue. My highest recommendation.