RPWL
Stock
8.2
It comes as no surprise that RPWL started out as a Pink Floyd cover band. It’s quite obvious in their sound, but they manage to make something all their own. After releasing God Has Failed and Trying to Kiss the Sun in 2000 and 2002, RPWL had created quite a reputation for themselves. Stock is actually a collection of unreleased material. I found this interesting because the album flows so well thanks to smooth transitions between each song. Being a progressive rock group you can already expect some good songwriting from RPWL. From the ten minute epic, “Gentle Art of Swimming” to the happy head-bobbing sounds of “Who Do You Think You Are” (which seems influenced by The Beatles’ Abbey Road), RPWL has given me a good reason to just sit back and stare out the window while listening to music again. Combining ambient and intelligent keyboard work within their music helps add to the feeling ten fold. It gives off a very 70’s rock feel that is just really soothing to listen too. Flowing bass lines even give some hints of Euro-pop music, while the guitars find a home akin to 70’s rock and pop music as well. The vokills have a very relaxing tone to them, while coming across as rather calm. After my first listen I disregarded this album a bit. I liked it, but it hadn’t fully sunk in until at least my third listen. Gradually I began to like it more and more. Stock is one of those releases you pop in your stereo and just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Never does the music attempt to sound really “trippy”, it just flows from the speakers perfectly. If you don’t consider yourself too metal to enjoy Pink Floyd, The Beatles, or Anathema’s A Fine Day to Exit, then I highly recommend you look into what this band has too offer, you won’t be disappointed.
