Pure Reason Revolution Returns with Sixth Studio Album: “Coming Up To Consciousness”
Progressive alternative rockers Pure Reason Revolution are back with their highly anticipated sixth studio album, “Coming Up To Consciousness,” set to be released on September 6, 2024, via InsideOutMusic. The album delves into profound themes such as betrayal, deception, fear, grief, mortality, and questions of sanity, offering a conceptual journey that is both heady and primordial.
Jon Courtney, the band’s co-founder, shared the emotional genesis of the album: “Spawned from the bereavement after my dog was put down, a numb & dry creative spell ensued. But after a meeting with my writer friend Craig Walker (Archive/Power of Dreams) and sharing how the last months had been, he urged me to get this experience down in lyrics and music. Suddenly the album flew out of me/us! In terms of recording process, this album was probably the most enjoyable to make, with the various collaborations firing creativity.”
To mark the announcement, Pure Reason Revolution has also released the album’s first single and opening track, “Dig Till You Die,” accompanied by a Thomas Hicks-directed video. You can watch the video here.
“Coming Up To Consciousness” is the third album in the band’s post-hiatus renaissance, following 2020’s “Eupnea” and 2022’s “Above Cirrus.” Like its predecessors, this new record is intensely personal, with eight tracks that range from four to seven minutes long, making them concise by PRR standards. The album grapples with various forms of darkness, creating a deeply engaging listening experience.
The Band Members
Jon Courtney (Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards) – Living in Berlin, Jon co-founded the band with Greg Jong.
Greg Jong (Guitar, Vocals) – Based in the US, Greg reconnected with Jon during the creation of “Eupnea.”
Guy Pratt (Bass) – Legendary session musician known for his work with Pink Floyd, played bass on seven tracks.
Ravi Kesavaram (Drums) – Formerly of My Vitriol, Ravi returns to the drums for this record.
Annicke Shireen (Vocals) – Known for her work with Shireen and Heilung, Annicke steps in for Chloe Alper on this album.
Pure Reason Revolution was formed in the early 2000s at the University of Westminster by Jon Courtney and Greg Jong. They created their breakout hit “The Bright Ambassadors of Morning” as their third-year project. The band went on hiatus but returned in 2020 with “Eupnea,” followed by “Above Cirrus” in 2022.
Past Albums:
The Dark Third (2006)
Amor Vincit Omnia (2009)
Hammer and Anvil (2010)
Eupnea (2020)
Above Cirrus (2022)
This album features significant contributions from members of The Pineapple Thief. Bruce Soord mixed the record, Steve Kitch mastered it, and Jon Sykes played bass on one track. The cover art, created by Jill Tegan Doherty, marks her third collaboration with the band.
“Coming Up To Consciousness” will be available in various formats:
Limited CD+DVD Digipak (featuring 5.1 Surround Sound & High Resolution Stereo Mixes)
Standard CD Jewelcase
Gatefold ReVinyl LP (Recycled Vinyl)
Digital formats in both stereo and Dolby Atmos
Pre-order your copy here.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Pure Reason Revolution has also announced their first tour dates in support of the new album, playing across Europe with Lesoir in September and October. The tour kicks off at the Be Prog! My Friend Festival in Barcelona.
Tour Dates:
27th September – Be Prog! My Friend, Barcelona, Spain*
29th September – Stummsche Reithalle, Neunkirchen, Germany
30th September – Backstage By The Mill, Paris, France
1st October – Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg, Germany
3rd October – Hoofddorp, Netherlands
4th October – Progpower Europe, Baarlo, Netherlands*
5th October – 013, Tilburg, Netherlands
*No Lesoir
Additionally, the band will make their first appearance on Cruise To The Edge in 2025, performing alongside Steve Hackett, Riverside, Haken, Big Big Train, Robert Fripp, and many more.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine