Pure Reason Revolution - Amor Vincit Omnia

  by Adrian Huggins

published: 6 / 4 / 2009

Label: Superball
Format: CD

intro

Intriguing combination of contrasts on futuristic-sounding second album from British group Pure Reason Revolution, whose music merges both an indie/alternative and also dance and electro sound

Following up their excellently received debut album, 2006’s ‘The Dark Third’ with double CD 'Amor Vincit Ominia', eclectic British foursome Pure reason Revolution are set to turn heads yet again with their melting pot music. Blending male/female harmonies with both intense and tender moments, the band reach across a whole spectrum of sound without any false efforts. A lot of similar bands seem like they trying to cover all bases in order satisfy everyone and come across as jacks of all trades but masters of none. What Pure Reason Revolution do is put themselves somewhere in the middle of everything and create in the process a unique sound for themselves. At times, particularly on current single ‘Deux ex Machina’ they have a really driving synth and guitar sound that has an air of Muse about it. The vocals from singers Jon Courtney and Chloe Apler are, however, a lot more down to earth than those of Muse. Pure Reason Revolution are a classic British indie act, full of attitude and cool, but have created an album that sounds futuristic and enormous. They have one a foot in the indie/alternative camp alongside the likes of Radiohead, the Fleet Foxes and White Lies, but they also share the more dancey and electro stylings of Justice and Daft Punk. This is where the band really deserve the credit. They make music that is full of ideas and at times goes in directions that you never see coming, such as on the futuristic ‘Disconect’ which wraps synths and robot-esque singing around harmonies which the the likes of the Fleet Foxes would be proud of. ‘The Gloaming’ is a straight up indie song which has a fantastic, pounding drum from Paul Glover that rings through the whole song and makes the band sound like Joy Division as if they were recorded in space. ‘Victorious Cupid’ is the heaviest song on the album with an element of almost Tool-like grunge, yet it also has one of the biggest choruses on the record. Pure Reason Revolution are a great band that are most deserving of a cult following, which they are sure to build upon with this album.

Track Listing:-