P:O:B (Pedestrians of Blue) are a melodic and progressive hard rock band coming from Haugesund in Norway. The band had recorded a demo and an EP which both received great reviews and spawned interest from various record companies around the world. The band however decided to finish their first full-length album without signing to anyone and 2007 saw “Crossing Over” released on their own FishFarm label.   Comprising of Johannes Stole (vocals and keyboards), Harald Levang (drums on 3 tracks but now a full time member),Torfinn Sirnes (guitar) and Rudolf Fredly (bass) the band have produced a great slice of melodic hard rock with influences coming from the likes of Queensrÿche, Black Sabbath, Dream Theater and Toto.  “Crossing Over" was produced by the founding band members Torfinn Sirnes and Johannes Støle and was mixed by Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye) and mastered by Mika Jussila (Nightwish, Masterplan) and also features guest performances from Daniel Palmqvist (Murder My Sweet) and drums from Daniel Flores (on the tracks not featuring Harald) . The album tells the story of young man's struggle between family, love and religion over the course of the albums 12 tracks.

The album kicks off with “Father & Son” a strong dark haunting rock track with a truly haunting yet irrepressibly strong chorus sees guitars combine nicely with keyboards here and allow Johannes’ strong vocal to work a variety of emotions out from the lyrics.  The track is like a mix of modern day Winger along with darker moments from Queensrÿche, never straying outside of his mid-tempo territory the tracks makes a lasting opening impression. 

“Promises” sees the tempo pick up a little for a more modern sounding track with swirling keyboards and restraint keyboards for the verse before the pre-chorus sees the pace pick up a little leading into another strong chorus which would make this a good track for radio. 

“The Garden” is another modern sounding track beginning with a mono ultra compressed verse (in audible terms) before the sound kicks in and here the Queensrÿche comparisons can be heard in a musical sense, although Støle’s vocals keep the bands own identity, the chorus is again very strong (something the band seemingly have no problem in writing) and a nice instrumental interlude see guitar and keyboards combine to nice effect before the solo section sees some nice melodies come into play. 

“Where The Rain Falls” is one of the more classic sounding modern melodic hard rock in terms of its musicality but the vocal melodies of Støle bring it very much up to date making you think 2008. 

The title track “Crossing Over” builds nicely instrumentally from the outset and the darker sound exhibited on the opening number is revisited and the overall vibe makes it one of the heaviest on the album and it’s a highlight.  Once again the song is fuelled by the superb melodic sense of Johanne whilst guitarist Torfinn Sirnes stretches out a little more here for the solo although its more about for the song as opposed to intense fretwork. 

“The Line”is a very nice instrumental that contrasts nicely with the previous track.  The influence of Dream Theater can be heard here, but again the band keep within their own musical parameters set out by the previous tracks meaning no elongated super technical high speed wizardry, instead the tracks plays with melody once again to strong effect, the drum work of Daniel Flores powers the track along nicely as well.  Fans of bands such as The Flower Kings and Transatlantic will lap this up. 

“World Of Things” sees a similar approach taken back into the realm of vocals and this another highlight of the album with guitar and keyboards working together very well once again with another great chorus. 

“The Other Side” is one of the more contemporary tracks on the album and has more prog metal shading than the others; this heavier sound sees Støle step up a little more in vocal intensity showing another side of his undoubted ability.  The overall feel actually reminded me a little of the work on Mind’s Eye’s “Walking On H2O” album and that’s a very fine comparison to have.  The guitar solo of guest Daniel Palmqvist is just the icing on the cake here and the track is another highlight. 

“How Much More Of A Dream” is a delicate ballad featuring piano, various sound effects and the lone voice of Støle and is a nice rest bite. 

This leads into “The Altar Of Love” which is another slice of dark melodic hard rock, and the sound inflects a little classic Styx mixed with modern day Winger.  The track then leads into a fast riff which is built upon by Støle’s organ and keyboard work before leading into the guitar solo and the musical progression throughout this is sure to keep prog fans interested and ready to dissect each section. 

“Why”’s flanged/chorused guitar intro leads into another strong dark sounding track (reminding me of a mix of SFAM era DT and the little known yet excellent sounds produced by Mindfunk on their “Dropped” album).   Once again more strong vocal melodies aredripping from this track. 

“Out Of The Rain” closes the album in epic classy fashion from its acoustic guitar and vocals intro having a nice solo Kip Winger feel which begins the tracks 8 minute journey strongly, this is layered upon with keyboards, sampled drums before a delicate acoustic guitar solo from Palmqvist leads into string orchestrations.  This progresses nicely into almost Queen areas of pomp with some very captivating musical passages before heading back into prog rock waters before the track resolves for the big ending where Støle gives us even more reason to praise him. This is a very ambitious track that easily hits its mark.

“Crossing Over” is a delight of an album.  Through the 12 tracks P.O.B. display a razor sharp sense of song writing with the musical dexterity and progressive awareness to appeal to a variety of rock music fans.  This is an album that did take a few listens to reveal its true colours yet this time is more than well spent.  Whilst the production may not be quite up there is with bands on bigger labels (it lacks a little power in places) the song writing is nothing but A grade material.  Comparisons used are to help give a flavour of what’s on offer, yet rest assured P.O.B. have their own sound whilst showing respect for their influences.  “Crossing Over” is worthy of your attention now, and I suspect it won’t be too long before they are reaching bigger heights in terms of popularity and reverence.  Be sure to check this one out.