I’ve never understood the concept of remastering an album only a couple of years after the original release date, particularly when no new material has been included. This is also apparently more and more irrelevant as the Digital age slowly but surely does away with physical copies, and by proxy the packaging so coveted by hardcore fans. Perhaps it’s because The Pineapple Thief (frontrunner for Best Band Name of the Year) has a new album, All The Wars, out in a couple of weeks and a reissue might get a few new fans. What We Have Sown was first released in 2007, and the feel is very English, like Radiohead with a dash of Massive Attack. This is unsurprising considering that the group has been releasing albums since 1999 when the style was heavily influenced by Thom Yorke et al.
Well I Think That’s What You Said has a style that mimics Middle Eastern musical style. It’s, for lack of a better word, cool. Not just “Wow, I like this”, but detached, James Dean kind of cool. Take Me With You starts off like a Pink Floyd track, and West Winds is trippy as all hell. But it’s the truly epic title track that will help you understand this band. Their influences come shining through, and guitarist (and founding member) Bruce Soords has a soaring solo at around the 11-minute mark. What Have We Sown? (the song) is a journey within itself, the ending sounding starkly different from the beginning.
If the plan was to snatch some new fans, The Pineapple Thief has done well to release this. All the Wars will be eagerly anticipated, if only to experience how far away from their previous work the group has moved artistically.
