Pattern-Seeking Animals: A New Face for Modern Progressive Rock
Creation and Early Days
Pattern-Seeking Animals was formed in 2019, bringing a fresh breeze to the modern progressive rock scene. The band was created by members who had previously played in iconic progressive rock bands like Spock’s Beard. John Boegehold, Ted Leonard, Dave Meros, and Jimmy Keegan joined forces to launch this new project. The name “Pattern-Seeking Animals” stems from a scientific term describing humanity’s tendency to seek patterns and structures in everything around us. This philosophy is reflected in their music, which is characterized by complex structures, deep melodies, and meaningful lyrics.
Musical Style and Influences
The musical style of Pattern-Seeking Animals blends the classic elements of progressive rock with a more modern approach. Their music features melodic structures, rich instrumentation, and captivating vocals. The band offers its listeners not only complex musical compositions but also emotional depth and significant storytelling. They are influenced by classic 70s progressive rock bands, while embracing contemporary sounds, giving them a unique identity.
John Boegehold, one of the main composers and producers of the band, plays a key role in shaping the musical identity of Pattern-Seeking Animals. The band’s sound is a perfect fusion of 70s progressive rock and the more contemporary sounds of the 90s and 2000s, creating a modern atmosphere while still respecting the genre’s roots. This blend appeals to both long-time progressive rock fans and new listeners.
Debut Album: Pattern-Seeking Animals (2020)
The band’s debut album, Pattern-Seeking Animals, was released in 2020, providing a comprehensive insight into the band’s musical vision. The album offers a series of progressive rock tracks with complex compositions and meaningful lyrics. The opening track, “No One Ever Died and Made Me King,” immediately showcases the band’s musical direction and virtuosity. The songs on the album are deeply emotional, exploring themes of life, the search for meaning, and the human experience. The production is beautifully detailed, with rich arrangements and symphonic elements enhancing the band’s sound.
Second Album: Prehensile Tales (2021)
After the success of their debut album, Pattern-Seeking Animals followed up in 2021 with their second album, Prehensile Tales. This album continues the evolution of the band’s music, adding a new dimension to their sound. Tracks like “Why Don’t We Run” and “Here in My Autumn” highlight the band’s ability to create emotionally rich and deeply moving musical experiences. The album presents a more refined and intricate structure, reflecting the band’s musical growth.
Themes and Lyrics
The lyrics of Pattern-Seeking Animals are filled with deep and often philosophical themes. Many of their songs tackle existential questions and the search for meaning in life. The lyrics are introspective, exploring concepts of human existence, love, loss, and the challenges of life. This makes the band’s music not only an auditory experience but also an emotional and intellectual journey for the listener. The use of symbolism and complexity in their lyrics makes their music particularly appealing to fans of progressive rock who are looking for more than just surface-level themes.
The Future of Progressive Rock
Pattern-Seeking Animals represents a part of the future of progressive rock. Their music bridges the gap between the past and the future of the genre. By combining influences from classic progressive rock with modern sounds, they create an innovative and captivating listening experience. The band has managed to merge the old with the new, securing a special place in the contemporary progressive rock scene.
Conclusion: A Promising Future
Pattern-Seeking Animals has quickly established itself as an important force in the world of modern progressive rock. Their albums not only showcase their musicianship and creativity but also their ability to offer emotional and intellectual depth through their music. With the experience of its members and their shared vision, Pattern-Seeking Animals has become one of the most interesting and promising bands in the new generation of progressive rock. The future looks very bright for this band, which will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the genre.
