RPWL
God Has Failed

"What is prog rock? What is neo prog rock? I've never understood what these meant! We simply play our music and our songs, regardless of how you want to label them! Our sound is continually evolving, changes are the most important things, both musically and regarding each of our personal lives. Without changes in our lives, we'd end up playing the same album over and over. I hope the changes never stop." (Yogi Lang)

Many fragments come together to form a single puzzle. Thus, sometimes, the positive and negative experiences one goes through in life, as well as the moods, inspire an artist's creation. In this case, four young German lads (after some lineup changes), began making music by playing some covers of early Pink Floyd and other prog bands. Over time, the band felt the desire to compose original music, and so, in 1999, they decided to record their first album of originals, "God Has Failed".

The album is inspired by the death of the keyboardist Yogi Lang's father and achieves good international success.

"God Has Failed" is an album that strongly evokes the Floydian sound, yet at the same time, the band also injects their own style, striving to express their own personality to the fullest.

The album opens with "Holy in the Sky", a track that deeply touched me with the beautiful sensations it conveys. Many will remember that famous live performance that Pink Floyd held behind closed doors at the ancient amphitheater in Pompeii in 1971; during that occasion, Pink Floyd also played "Echoes". Those same echoes seem to be present in this track by RPWL as well.

The melodies become simpler with the subsequent "Who do you think we are" and "Wait Five Years", which are much more direct and catchy than the previous track (but no less emotional for that).

"In your dreams" and "It's all right" bring us back to slightly more complex musical structures, showcasing the good technical skills of RPWL. "In your dreams" very faintly reminds me of "Sorrow" by Pink Floyd, and even Yogi Lang's voice seems a bit similar to David Gilmour's (personal impressions).

There are also more romantic and solemn pieces like the beautiful "Crazy Laine", a very touching and sweet ballad. Not bad are also the following "Fool" and the majestic "Springs of Freedom". The album closes with the eponymous track, another melancholic and emotional piece, for a carefree and wonderful album.

In summary, the music of RPWL seeks to evoke the images that we have stored in the drawers of our minds through music.

"Everyday problems can be a source of inspiration. Composing music is a way to vent one's emotions, play some chords, relax and see what comes out..." (Karlheinz Wallner)

Personally, I would recommend (for those who want to listen to RPWL), "God Has Failed" and "World Through My Eyes".

So far, the band has released only five albums, and their second album "Trying To Kiss The Sun" I find slightly more original than the first, thanks to that oriental touch we find in tracks like "Trying to Kiss the Sun" and "Side by Side".

Enjoy listening!