Wanted
Wanted gives RPWL a stronger attack without abandoning their melodic art rock. The German band move from forceful instrumental passages to quieter songs, with Yogi Lang's voice and the keyboards keeping the record connected. Its story concerns freedom of thought, but the music does not need the concept to make an impression. The best sections work through clear themes and careful changes of weight.
Revelation is an effective instrumental opening. Electronic sounds give way to a rougher guitar presence, with the arrangement returning to its central idea as it develops. The movement is more urgent than the band's gentler reputation might suggest. It also leads naturally into Swords and Guns, where a heavier rhythm and more direct vocal delivery establish another side of the album.
The extended keyboard section in Swords and Guns is a particular strength. The playing adds detail without losing the song's momentum, and the return to the vocal material feels earned. Some of the darkness becomes less distinctive when the chorus settles into a more familiar shape, but the track still gives the early sequence a firm centre.
The shorter title track keeps the rock energy moving. Hide and Seek then offers a softer route, beginning from an acoustic setting before the guitar and keyboards develop around the voice. Misguided Thought has a broader, more reflective character, while Perfect Day brings a pop appeal into the progressive arrangements. These changes are easy to follow because the melodies remain important throughout.
The Attack gives the band room for a longer build. Guitar, keyboards and the steady rhythm section work towards its larger sections without making every detail compete for attention. A New Dawn closes more gently, allowing the singing and a developing guitar passage to bring the record to a considered finish.
Wanted does not always sound as radical as its concept might imply. Several quieter songs fit comfortably within RPWL's established style, and familiar progressive rock references remain part of the appeal. Nevertheless, the stronger riffs and varied arrangements give the album enough movement to stand on its own. It is a confident, accessible record with room for instrumental detail and a clear sense of how its different songs belong together.
