A 'System Of Events' that will appeal to any fan of melodic Prog.

Neither a massive glass structure rumoured to be rebuilt, nor a football team struggling to survive in the English top division; Germans Crystal Palace are a Progressive four-piece who have decided to ask us a question.... "Is there a formula that determines our lives?" This soul searching conundrum leads to some deep, uncomfortable lyrical topics such as the Norwegian Breivik mass murder, the anger which followed the nuclear disaster of Fukushima, or dealing with the death of a loved one, and while this is not a concept album as such, it is definitely conceptual. Heavy stuff indeed, but thankfully Crystal Palace have decided to offset these themes with uncontrollably memorable melodies, which while melancholy, are deep set enough that you'll find yourself singing snippets and passages of 'The System Of Events' album for days on end.

The eagle-eyed amongst you will have already noted that this sixth release from Crystal Palace finds them now on the Gentle Art Of Music label, created by those other German Progsters RPWL. So it comes as no surprise to find RPWL guitarist Kalle Wallner providing a stunning solo for this album's final, title track, nor that singer Yogi Lang adds keys, as well as "taking responsibility for the sound of the album", which I'm guessing means that he produced it (Porcupine Tree's Colin Edwin also guests, adding weight to the thought that Crystal Palace are a band who really need to be taken notice of).

Therefore it's hardly a shock to find a similar uplifting darkness and melodic core here as you would in RPWL, something reinforced by singer Yenz having a Lang like tinge to his delivery. However, there's also a welcome slice of variety, the eleven minute 'Beautiful Nightmare' revolving around an over and over repeated melody line that proves unforgettable, while 'Green Way' is almost jaunty Prog-Poptastic. The album's title track veers into epic territory, piano leading the way, guitars bolstering the theme as the drums drive the song on, whereas 'Breathe' is uncomfortable and heavy, 'Sleepless' surging and darting on an edgy riff and electronica backing. Put it all together and you have a 'System Of Events' that will appeal to any fan of melodic Prog.

Amazingly Crystal Palace are a band which has quietly gone about its business for some nine years now, hopefully this latest, excellent, collection of songs will begin to bring them the rewards they so richly deserve.

Steven Reid