The Pineapple Thief – Far and Wide

 

The Pineapple Thief – Far and Wide

By Pete Clemons

The Pineapple Thief's sixteenth studio album, Far and Wide, released on October 9, 2026, through InsideOut Music, Sixteen albums really is a remarkable feat and keeping each album distinct, fresh and without repetition, a challenge.

And that challenge was met head on. Far and Wide gained praise with its tighter rock energy and live-oriented focus while noting a more streamlined and concise structure

Each era for The Pineapple Thief has brought a new beginning. And in a couple of ways this latest album brings with it new horizons.

The first new vista for The Pineapple Thief was a change in record label. Far and Wide is the first release for InsideOut Music. Founded in Germany in 1993, InsideOut Music is one of the world's premier record labels specializing exclusively in progressive rock and progressive metal. Now owned by Sony Music and operating out of Berlin, the label handles several of the genre's largest acts

Next up and a first for The Pineapple Thief, frontman Bruce Soord completely omitted acoustic guitars from the record. The album instead tends to rely on electric guitar parts, atmosphere, synths and keyboards, and rhythmic spaces.

And ever since drummer Gavin Harrison joined the band full time during 2016 it completely transformed the bands live versatility. Live shows heavily favour the bands tighter more groove oriented style over the more loose and experimental.

The 47-minute, 9-track record – 10 track CD - leans into a more streamlined, patient, and atmospheric progressive post-rock/art-rock approach. It strips back excessive layers in favour of tighter song structures, space, and strong live-band dynamics.

Lyrical content covers personal reflection and mortality after loss, alongside broader commentary on modern societal anxiety. Overall it has received generally positive comments but there were some mixed reviews.

Many critics praise the album as a cohesive, front-to-back listening experience rather than a collection of disjointed radio singles. Reviewers highlight Gavin Harrison’s intricate, tasteful drumming, Bruce Soord's emotive vocals and guitar work (such as the solo on "No Exceptions"), and a balanced, crisp production style that avoids self-indulgence.

Some reviewers felt the stripped-back, direct approach lacked the explosive spark or expansive complexity of their earlier high-water marks, with a few finding certain mellow tracks a bit slow to build or wishing for a more adventurous scope

If you are looking for an instant high then this record may disappoint. However, in this fast paced world, if you still have the capacity to kick back and devote 50 odd minutes, if you still enjoy music that washes over you and develops with each listen then this could possibly be the bands best release yet by this line up.

This album is subtly sublime and cannot fail to grow........