FACE THE DAY: Stuck In The Present (ALTERNATIVE ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

In 2016 Face The Day surprised his world with a progressive rock album inspired by Porcupine Tree, Anathema or Pineapple Thief. They return at the end of 2018 with an ambitious "Stuck In The Moment" that we hope will also be inspired.

Inspiration is clearly at stake here, even influence. The Czech duo is struggling to break away from its illustrious mentors mentioned above, starting with the work of Steven Wilson, whose album bears the indelible mark. Thus 'Elevator To The Sky' seems to come straight out of 'Anesthesize' with its fast tempo and powerful riffs, while the diptych 'Stuck In Verona' /'The Remainer' reminds us of the master's latest productions. The voice is close, including in the modulations, and the production is clearly inspired by his most recent work.

However, the result is not unpleasant and the impression of witnessing the resurrection of Porcupine Tree is not without evoking a certain nostalgic pleasure. Because it works and the compositions are rich, varied and effective. Stuck In The Present' clearly refers to the Bruce Sword tape, an aerial approach, a long development time and atmospheric breaks of the best effect make it a perfect closer of more than 9 minutes.

A new influence (reference?) is to be raised with 'With Faith On My Side', in the same vein as Riverside's latest productions. Its two-phase construction with a first acoustic part with nostalgic melodic lines reminiscent of Mariusz Duda's vocals, while the more removed and tortured end shows that the Czechs have completely integrated these influences and magnified them into a rich and exciting music.

The references of Face The Day may of course seem overwhelming, but the whole is more than digestible and the music writing is subtle enough to justify the growing interest around this group. "Stuck in The Present" is indeed anchored in a present made of obvious influences but assumed and integrated into an intelligent, well produced and melodically exciting album. Face The Day will have to free itself from these models in the future but the potential is there and could well allow them to be on the same level as their illustrious inspirers. - Official website

FACE THE DAY

STUCK IN THE PRESENT

AUTRE LABEL

ALTERNATIVE ROCK