Pentwater - Out Of The Abyss (Reissue) (1973-76/1992)

The American label Syn-Phonic published in 1992 under the title "Out Of The Abyss" recordings of the US band Pentwater. These are recordings from the years 1973 to 1976, which were not published at the time. All songs are in the best tradition of symphonic Progressive Rock, which is why it was worth the search of the old archives. The band existed from 1970 to 1978 and had a relatively stable line-up. This is noticeable in the very sophisticated and thoughtful compositions. In spite of the inevitable audible musical influences, it has been possible to work out an astonishingly independent style. Thus, Pentwater can hardly be compared with any of the well-known British bands.

However, the style of the Americans sounds very familiar and the friend of the typical Seventies sound will have little trouble finding their way around the midwestern US song material. Alone the keyboards in the form of Moog, Mellotron, Hammond etc. dominate the events in a truly impressive way. Despite this keystone dominance, the band had three guitarists, with the main songwriter Mike Konopka also dedicated flute, violin and percussion. What the band raised beyond the conventional average was the fact that four musicians were still responsible for the vocals. All compositions shine with sophisticated vocal arrangements and in places there are very slight Gentle Giant reminiscences.

Songs like the opener "EM 54" or "Necropolis" can be interpreted as best examples of the style of Pentwater. In places, the songwriting seems very direct and almost catchy. This is sometimes accompanied by rocking guitar playing. Suddenly, the mood then swirls in the direction of a sophisticated complexity. These abrupt stylistic breaks are used very effectively and are the hallmark of the band. Thus, the Americans understood how to create a typical Progsong from a catchy song in dreamlike manner, free of any superficial bombast. In a song like "Billboard Smiles", these deliberate stylistic breaks are also in harmony with a good portion of humor and self-irony.

The other songs prove that typical symphonic Progressive Rock can also work without far-reaching epic and bombastic elements. Nevertheless, the whole magic of the blissful high phase of the genre unfolds here as well. With unexpected breaks and an immense joy of playing, Pentwater celebrates the complex art rock with almost insistent urgency.

In any case, "Out Of The Abyss" is a still refreshing album of a perfectly well-rehearsed band that did not have to hide from any of the great role models. In the last year of their existence, Pentwater released their only LP. Unfortunately, there is nothing positive to report about a planned re-release. In the class of the band here would be a new edition on CD but long overdue.