‘Wisdom Of Crowds’ is the collaborative effort of The Pineapple Thief’s Bruce Soord and Katatonia’s Jonas Renkse. Praised heavily by publications such as Metal Hammer and Classic Rock, it is clearly a collaboration prog fans are drooling over. With that in mind, it is easy to see why – Renske is comfortable in his own voice; strong and powerful. it fits in with the compositions of electronic soundscapes and guitar work which easily takes over as the lead component from its rhythmic background.
The sounds captured on record seems intended for the live circuit; it has the right mix of epic highs to more sombre and melancholy moments. Opening track ‘Pleasure’ is heavily electronic based, the computer constructed beat to the samples is almost Nine Inch Nails-esque. The fuzzy bassline adds yet another layer, whilst the vocals are calming but powerful. It has a sense of that fluttery style of Tool’s Maynard James Keenan; the voice is mesmerising, it draws you in to listen. The title track allows the guitar work to shine through, the high gain screeching solo adds that little kick to the track whilst its rhythmic counterpart loops a catchy little hook. Another guitar solo (good ol’ prog music) again adds another dynamic to the track, repeating certain structures but adding to it – making it different.
The album continues in this vein, mixing the heavy sampled sounds with hard rock guitars, it is consistent but each song has its own highs. The contrast in ‘Radio Star’ between its verse and chorus is unexpected, the power of its verse tapers off into a calmer chorus. It is a pleasant surprise and demonstrates top musicianship.
Using everything they could possibly think of, this album contains so much and is definitely worth a listen whether you are into progressive music or not. The mix of dynamics and instrumentation really allows this album to stand out.
3.5/5
‘Wisdom of Crowds’ by Wisdom of Crowds is available now on Kscope.
Wisdom of Crowds links: Facebook
Words by Robert Maddison.
