Pattern-Seeking Animals - Spooky Action at a Distance (Gatefold black 2LP).

Pattern-Seeking Animals is a pioneering prog rock force, consistently pushing the boundaries of musical exploration. Comprising John Boegehold, Ted Leonard, Dave Meros, and Jimmy Keegan, the band continues to captivate audiences with intricate compositions and emotive storytelling. Their 4th album finds Pattern-Seeking Animals more confident than ever, approaching new soundscapes and topics, combined with the DNA of their previous work for their most memorable and powerful album to date. Boegehold explains, “Because this is our fourth release in less than five years, my intention was to shift gears and not go over ground that's already been covered. In addition to using different sounds, textures and musical styles, we approached the vocals, especially backing vocals from a fairly different angle.” The different approach is not only noticeable in production and sounds, but in the lyrics as well. “The subject matter of the lyrics include a Norse king contemplating life while being conquered, an aging seeker on the path toward enlightenment, aliens hunting down humans trying to evade capture, the life of a conflicted soldier before and after WW1, a pregnant teenager leaving a bad situation at home, a reluctant hero victorious in her final battle and a guy’s girlfriend who leaves him because of his conspiracy theories.” Fans will experience something new with the album’s first single “Window to the World,” high-energy, up-tempo art-rock with a hint of ska and reggae. “Somewhere North of Nowhere” is straight-ahead lengthy prog track with a unique bridge section. “Underneath the Orphan Moon” is a somber ballad that deals with a teenage girl leaving a bad situation. Evocative and cinematic, it is not unlike the feel of a classic Elton John song, complete with a real string section.