PTF: The World[s] (PROGRESSIVE ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Created in 2009 and originating from the Land of the Rising Sun, PTF is already the author of two albums, "Percept From..." in 2013 and "What is Constant" in 2015. This year, the band is releasing its third album, "The World[s]", which is also its first concept album on the theme of sensory experiences and synesthesia. A concept for which the listener will have to show some imagination since PTF is an entirely instrumental band. The album is divided into two acts, a division that is difficult to explain by the music alone, as the styles do not fundamentally change between acts 1 and 2, even if the first part perhaps gives more room than the second to romantic themes ('Monologue ~Just Another Day', 'Wondering What I See', 'Reminiscence').

PTF cleverly diversifies its music, introducing (Middle) Eastern, jazzy, Western and RIO passages, using hypnotic effect loops with a certain parsimony, but never sinking into dissonances that could frighten sensitive ears. If the music becomes more acidic at times, it is under the effect of Keisuke Takashima's electric and acoustic violins which take the place of guitars within the group.

The violinist is the true centerpiece of PTF's music, dominating the album with his presence, whether in long legato strokes or nervous staccatos, unraveling melodious and loose themes or, on the contrary, engulfing the listener in haunting ostinatos. Violins are practically omnipresent, capable of moving from the sweetest notes to squeaky tones. But it would be an insult to the other three musicians to relegate them to the role of background music. Takeya Kito's keyboards often cross paths with the violins in Homeric jousting, or the crystalline arpeggios of a piano serve as a silky back. Hiroyuki Ito's bass brings all the desired depth, frequently stepping out of his rhythmic role to play the walking bass ('Reminiscence') or the soloist ('Monologue ~MY WORLD') very inventive like the drums, which quickly freed themselves from the linear play of the first tracks to multiply syncopations, off-beats and complex rhythms, Yusuke Seki demonstrating as much dexterity as sobriety.

The themes are very numerous and follow one another with remarkable fluidity. Always melodious, the album lacks neither highlights nor contrasts, going from romantic melodies that sometimes seem a bit naive ('Wondering What I See', 'Reminiscence') to darker ones ('Overture', 'Reminiscence'), Monologue ~MY WORLD'), or even disturbing ('In Agony'), or on the contrary at sunny moments breathing optimism ('Time to Realize', 'So Many Senses / Just Another Day') or inviting to dance (the superb 'The Dialogue').

Although "The World[s]" is very long (almost 80 minutes!) and entirely instrumental, it never tires the listener with its perpetual changes of atmosphere and the many themes it develops, sometimes outdated but most often very contemporary. Like Isildurs Bane's Swedes, PTF mixes rock, jazz, classical and folklore to make a mix that is as original as it is exotic. - Official website

PTF

THE WORLD[S]

AUTRE LABEL

PROGRESSIVE ROCK