Pivitplex's BEC debut, “Under Museum Quality Glass,” showed an exciting band with unique potential, but they’ve really found their legs with this new release. Now with Hawley Records, the quintet (Scott Brownson (vox, guitar), Joby Rudolph (guitar, Rhodes, Wurly, keys, BGV), Alex Hicks (guitar, BGV), Phillip Hicks (bass, BGV), and Levi Stugelmeyer(drums), came back strong with “The King in a Rookery,” a fresh artful album that meets the expectations the debut hinted at.
Things begin well with the whirling majestic “End of the Line,” thick with melodic rock sonics and deep meaning. Opening the album with a message on humility is a bold move, and goes to the heart of the Pivitplex mission. Interestingly, the album comes with a booklet of insightful devotions related to the individual tracks. The short pieces are well-written; the first one will take you right to your knees with its knockout truth.
Pivitplex displays strong rocker chops all the way through, from the infectious and exuberant “Hello Monday” (don’t miss that “Pet Sounds” bridge!), to the electric charmer “One Goodbye,” all splashy drums and uplifting lyrics (“I lost the concrete on my feet/ I’m not going to sink in a breathless drink/ I float in the sky ‘cause I’ve been set free”), to the buzzy and emotive “Everything’s OK.” Frontman Scott Brownson’s vocals are straightforward and on point always, moving from encouraging (the inspiring radio single “It’s Our Time”) to convincingly intimate (“Final Straw” shares the true story of his 7-months-old daughter’s frightening struggle to live after intestinal surgery and its complications). “King in a Rookery” contains many shining moments: the Beatlesque chorus of “Long Way Down,” the edgy guitar riffs of “The Deal,” and the sweet harmonica of “Gravity,” a gem of a ballad solid with affirmation.
And when it’s time for some straight-up worship, Pivitplex offers the standout track, “I’m Alive,” its soaring melody line supported gloriously by airy background vocals with a lovely choir feel. This album overflows with stunning vocal arrangements, making Pitiplex more than just great rockers. Together with producer Jason Burkham, they show extraordinary attention to detail throughout, adding greatly to the project’s overall excellence.
The closing is as strong as the opening, with the electric noodling of the passionate ballad, “I Concede.” Going out on a high note, its intense bridge is matched in beauty by more of those overwhelming vocals. “The King in a Rookery” is one of the year’s can’t-miss albums. Keep your eye on Pivitplex, a band to be reckoned with.
