FutuRéale Magazine

The Parkdale Revolutionary Orchestra
Truth in the Dark

The Parkdale Revolutionary Orchestra
Truth in the Dark

Reviewed By: Eric Rosenhek

It’s hard to critique a band like the Parkdale Revolutionary Orchestra. It would be too easy and disrespectful to label their new CD, Truth In The Dark, as “experimental.” Truth In The Dark is more than your typical experimental album, full of eclectic sounds and complex notes. It’s an album that makes an effort to provide songs which are memorable and can easily find a place on your ipod, sandwiched between an old hit from the Rolling Stones and the latest Madonna single. Despite its eclectic sound, the PRO attempt to have an album that reaches a large audience, rather than a small niche of music fans. Therefore, it is only fair to give a review without the simple clichés that would naturally go with an album like this one.

Truth In The Dark brings together a wide assortment of sound. Each track will incite various feelings and emotions. Composer Benjamin Mueller-Heaslip ensures that every instrument is featured prominently. Bassist Michael Kaler and drummer Mike Rosenthal set the tone and pace for each song. Saxophonist Jennifer Wardle adds the needed punch, while cellist Kerri McGonigle and violinist Alex Cheung provide the direction. Rounding out the group is Benjamin’s wife, soprano Kristin Mueller-Heaslip, whose powerful voice is used as an instrument, matching the sounds with words.

Every track can fit in perfectly with a musical or an opera, as they all tell a story using melodic language. However, the album’s strength is in its ability to combine a pop sound with a classical orchestra.

Truth In The Dark features tracks that have the make-up of a rock and/or pop song, but are successfully presented through woodwind, percussion and string instruments. Granted, there have been rock and pop songs which have used those types of instruments. However, Mueller-Heaslip’s arrangement is recognized as a classical ensemble (integrating the classical and non-classical instruments). Consequently, the two distinct styles – the popish set-up and the classical presentation – crash into each other, which leads towards a positive outcome.

For example, the song “Elevator” has a joyful pop sound with catchy lyrics (written by musician Karl Mohr). It could easily by covered by any band with a guitar, bass and drums. However, the PRO go the extra mile by giving the track an orchestral arrangement. In the end, “Elevator” draws similar comparisons to The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “All You Need Is Love;” songs with a pop sound and feel, but accompanied by orchestral instruments. Other notable tracks on Truth In The Dark include “I Didn’t Sleep” and a cover the Ugly Bug Band’s “Let’s Fall In Love.”

This is an album that will appeal to all music fans; not just those who enjoy eclectic and experimental sounds. The PRO have made a solid effort by fulfilling a number of musical tastes. After listening to Truth In The Dark, one will find each track memorable and appreciate the musically complex arrangement.