Album Review: The Pineapple Thief - Nothing But The Truth
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Deprived of the opportunity to tour 2020’s ‘Versions of the Truth’, The Pineapple Thief took the decision to perform for fans across the globe in a special on demand live event in April 2021. Directed by videographer George Laycock, the cinematic version threatens to be something special. If it can match the crystal-clear aural experience, then those who purchase the release should be in for something magical.
If you are a fan of the band, then this is likely to be an essential purchase. It features six songs from ‘Versions of the Truth’, with a smattering of tracks from previous albums ‘Dissolution’, ‘All the Wars’, Your Wilderness’ and ‘10 Stories Down’.
Opening with the title track of ‘Versions of the Truth’, this release is simply a masterclass in progressive rock music. Few have ever doubted the quality that founder Bruce Soord has assembled over the years, but the inclusion of Gavin Harrison in more recent albums alongside bassist Jon Sykes and keyboardist Steve Kitch has seen the band develop as one of the most cohesive and emotionally intelligent bands in the rock world today.
The only challenge faced on this release is the frustratingly long pauses between songs. Understandable, but the one difficulty with an audio release of such a professional performance. Aside from the minor gripes, there is little else to pick at. The sound is crisp, clean and the mix perfect. Harrison’s percussion is on point as one would expect; on ‘Our Mire’ he shines without overpowering. Soord’s guitars and Kitch’s keyboards duel without either overwhelming the other, and Sykes lays down dependable bass lines that are expressive as well as anchoring the beat with Harrison’s precision drumming.
As the show continues, it’s possible to experience what has happened every time I’ve seen The Pineapple Thief live – total immersion in their music. Soord’s soothing vocals and use of incredible melodies wrap around you, the fluidity of the band is such that its almost impossible not to drift away into an enjoyable calm. You can focus on the magic that happens despite this semi-out-of-body experience. It’s akin to a religious experience.
Dip the toe into ‘Driving Like Maniacs’, with the metronomic drum tone, the high-pitched harmonies and the melodies that underpin everything the band deliver. Close your eyes and experience the drama and intensity of ‘Threatening War’. Evidence that heaviness in music doesn’t need to be all downtuned guitars and blast beats. Merely two of 17 highlights on a release that once more demonstrates that Britain can, on occasion, compete with the rest of the world. There are few bands who can capture the emotions like The Pineapple Thief. 13 albums and 21 years of music since their formation, there appears to be no end to the quality that this unassuming group of musicians can produce. The only regret is that their UK tour clashes with other commitments and I’ll be unable to catch them this time round. If you have the opportunity, then I strongly suggest you take it.
