Author: Peter Podbrežnik
Artist: Section IV
Label: Self-released
Release: 2015
Length: 71:13
Rating: 4/5
Britain’s Section IV are ambitious ‘crossover’ proggers with a melodic stamp, and with their debut »Superhuman« they’ve already delivered one of the nicest surprises of 2015 when it comes to new prog rock hopefuls. Section IV swear by multi-part harmonies and mighty, melodic choruses wrapped in outstanding production, and any overly obvious comparisons to the ‘fathers’ of progressive rock go out the window, although an attentive ear will of course pick up certain Genesis and It Bites influences here and there. Section IV also toy with electronic patterns now and then, but to a much lesser degree than, say, modern-day Galahad. The range of genre influences on Section IV’s sonic vision is very wide, stretching from prog rock, pop and jazz all the way to metal.
Keyboardist Richard Lockett mostly goes for eclectic-tinged symphonic arrangements that can easily take the listener on a gorgeous ambient journey. Rob Haropp’s guitar phrases are dynamic and intelligently conceived, giving most of the tracks punch and the necessary focus, while the socially critical lyrics offer quite a bit of ‘food for thought’. The vocal contribution of Sam Linay, who doubles as rhythm guitarist, is very good, melodic and unobtrusive, yet unique enough that you can’t pin it on some far more established singer. Despite how accessible most of the »Superhuman« compositions are, the complex rhythmic structures, layered vocals and improvisations give Section IV’s music a solid experimental stamp.
The opening and closing tracks are genuine prog rock epics, both running past twelve minutes, and the closing »Exile« is the definitive peak of the whole album. Of everything on the record, it has the most parallels with certain British neo-prog heroes, but in just the right doses. The outstanding genre variety shows up on every track, including »Take You Down«, where you can hear elements of symphonic prog rock, jazz and progressive metal ‘in the same breath’.
Fans of a melodic approach to progressive rock have gained a new, highly ambitious and talented band in Section IV, who’ve made a surprisingly good debut with »Superhuman« and will definitely have to be reckoned with going forward. The band members have said, half in jest, half seriously, that their mission is to bring progressive rock to the masses, which these days is pretty much mission impossible, even though Section IV have an exceptional knack for writing melodic arrangements that very quickly ‘anchor’ themselves in the ear, even of less demanding listeners. There’s of course still room for some sonic improvements and even more ambitious ideas, and Section IV will almost certainly grow into an even better band than they already are.
Lineup
Sam Linay – vocals, rhythm guitar
Rob Haropp – guitar, backing vocals
Richard Lockett – keyboards, orchestration, backing vocals
Nicko J. Ruddock – bass guitar, backing vocals
Stuart Robertson – drums, percussion
Production
Section IV
Track list
1. Superhuman
2. Out of the Dark
3. In Danger
4. Outside
5. So Far Away
6. IDWTSTWT
7. Guiding Light
8. Take You Down
9. Exile
