Gems in the Sidebar: The Pineapple Thief

To start off, let’s call this a column. I’d like to talk about a band that I found a few years back off the sidebar of a Porcupine Tree video: The Pineapple Thief. The video that I clicked on was the song “3000 Days”, which, to this day, is still my favorite track by the band. While they shared some clear musical similarities with PT, they are definitely a group unique to themselves.

The progressive rock group is the brainchild of British guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Bruce Soord. Now in its 15^th year, the band has released nine albums with a tenth due in September.

Despite an always-varied production taking elements from various genres, their songs can be divided up into three general categories. First, there are the rockers, which combine organic guitars and vocals with synthesizers and electronically treated instruments. Then there are the more acoustically driven numbers, with delicate instrumentation and impassioned performances. Finally, there are the longer experimental pieces, such as the brooding twenty-seven minute “What Have We Sown”.

All very well written and expertly produced, The Pineapple Thief is a great listen for both fans of modern progressive music, as well as more open-minded mainstream music fans.