RPWL – The Rpwl Experience

Having never heard of this band and considering the fact that they were a Pink Floyd cover band back in 1997 upon formation, it stirred some genuine curiosity inside the soul let’s say. Surprisingly enough RPWL has had four studio albums to date (this being the fifth), one live double-disc album, and one special edition release that was limited to 999 CD’s and contained five previously unreleased live songs and 4 new solo tunes from the latest band lineup-only obtainable through their website.

RPWL is a German Progressive Rock band having been placed into the Prog/Symphonic Rock genre by some. With the release of their second album, they were emphatically trying to rid themselves of the Pink Floyd cover band stereotype. They were embarking on a journey to produce a sound of their own even if they had remnants of their musical influences occasionally occurring in the songs and music they wrote and produced. Having listened to The RPWL Experience several times over, each time having a different effect musically and spiritually, it is safe to say that the Floyd influence is still there, ever so subtly. Well maybe not so subtle in some songs compared to others. Every once in a while the vocals have you believing that David Gilmour is singing…yes Yogi Lang is that good at his craft. Then there are moments where Kalle Wallner’s guitar lays down a short solo that is reminiscent of Mr. Gilmour himself. Who are they kidding-they can’t hide the influential factor here.

The name RPWL came from the first initial of each band member’s last name-Phil Rissettio (drums), Chris Postl (bass), Kalle (or Karlheinz) Wallner (guitar), and Yogi Lang (vocals). Eventually Manni Müller replaced Phil Rissettio on drums. Instead of wasting time and energy trying to come up with a rad and new name nobody ever heard of, they did it the ever-so-simple way-how original. The lineup today includes a keyboardist named Markus Jehle.

The strange thing about this album/CD is the fact that no matter how many times one listens to it, the reaction (if that is indeed the right word to be using here) from it is different each and every time. If really matters what you use; headphones, home speakers, car stereo, CD player, boom box, PC sound system, etc. It all gives you a different outcome to how the music is heard and perceived which in turn gives the listener a different perspective of what the album is trying to say to you. Don’t make the mistake by listening to the album the first time around using headphones, especially good ones. Headphones will spoil you forever since they make everything sound so good and you can hear every little nuance of sound produced. After that, how can you top it?

Anyway, after making that mistake (or was it really that after all) of listening to The RPWL Experience the first time around via headphones, it was a mind-blowing experience; damn these guys are F___in’ great at what they do. The first track “Silenced” is without a doubt the best and heaviest (even though the music is not heavy by any stretch of the word) of the bunch. What struck a nerve was the talent this band has, not only musically but the production of the entire album. These guys are one of the tightest (and this time tight is the correct word to use here) bands that this reviewer has heard in a long time. The music may be a bit mellow for some folk but listen to it with an open mind and you have to be in awe somewhat of their capabilities. There are many changes in their songs with definite influences of Floyd and another fav Genesis.

There are 10 tracks at a little over 67 minutes in length which is noteworthy in itself. The shortest track is almost 4 minutes and the longest is almost 10 minutes which says one thing, these songs (maybe not the 4 minute one) are individual stories that speak for themselves. RPWL made it a point to go a different direction this time around. Even though the band was so proud of their last effort World Through My Eyes, they felt that listeners weren’t tuning into the words or the message RPWL was trying to make. With the RPWL experience, the band wasn’t going to let their creativity, motivation, or inspiration be influenced or swayed negatively. They decided to make something that they all enjoyed themselves. Lang explained that they use music as their second language. Music makes language more perceptible and diverse which makes this new release worth taking a closer look at.

“Choose What You Want To Look At” speaks about the uncritical consumption of TV programs and manipulation through the media. “Stranger” is an extremely direct and uncompromising statement on war. “This Is Not A Prog Song” is interesting in the way that the band deals with bad press reviews. “Masters Of War” is a Bob Dylan remake with a Gilmour sounding solo for an added treat. Many of the songs are still rough around the edges according to the band’s frontman but you wouldn’t know it from listening to this album. It really is dynamic in every aspect and makes a great listen. This is one of those rare treats that says something to the listener, even if it is something completely different each and every time. That’s what makes it so unique and different at the same time. The RPWL Experience isn’t a run to the store must buy, but note that if you do happen to come across it whether through a friend or shopping for new music, make it a point to pick it up. Even Metalheads and Hard rockers need a change every so often and you might even be surprised by this one.