GLORIE

Great stuff!

This is one of those strange decisions I took, because I didn't know anything about this young band, only that their debut album is being offered as a pay-what-you-want album, but well, the fact is that when I looked at the cover art, I felt immediately attracted, and did not hesitate in getting the album, just for that, because I didn't even know which kind of prog they play. This may sound amateurish, but I don't feel guilty, actually, I am really happy with my decision.

And that is because the music here is excellent. What this new project, from the United States, with the name of Glorie offer, is a wonderful and high-quality instrumental prog, labeled here as crossover, but with an obvious post-rock sound, and even with some avant- garde hints. Their album entitled 'Glorie', features nine compositions and a total time of 40 minutes.

The first one is 'Highrise', with a wonderful atmosphere created by vibes and piano, and a charming use of guitars and drums. Really closer to post-rock, nice to the ears, cool for the soul. 'Music for a Horror Movie' has a beautiful cello sound, and some kind of whispering noises that may suggest what the title says, however, I can't really imagine this as a horror movie track. I love the piano sound and their delicate notes.

'Looking through the mirror' is another wonderful track, though this is shorter than the previous, we still have the richness of sounds, thanks to the use of diverse elements such as violin, cello or piano. It is way better to listen to it with good headphones, because you can appreciate its true beauty. 'Full Circle' has once again a charming, gently mood shared by vibes and drums, later a repetitive but addictive bass and guitar sound begins and transform the song into a hypnotizing track.

'Still Saved' is not a favorite of mine, the guitar is also repetitive, but not as addictive as in previous tracks, here I was not really caught by it, though the drums and keyboards help a lot. 'Water Drops' starts with piano and takes the leadership since the first seconds, later violin, guitars, drums and bass appear really soft, gradually progressing, and creating a disarming sound which may share different feelings, from despair, to hope. The song continues like this until minute three where it changes and an explosion of emotions appear, with a strong and magnificent sound. Great track!

'Lazy Day' starts with vibes and cello since the very first seconds, an ambitious beginning. Later drums, bass and guitars join and start building up a structure together, until the song is very mature and with a strong sound. 'Nightmares then Sunshine' starts slowly but since the beginning it sounds promising, and so it is, after a minute we have a wonderful, colorful and brilliantly composed track. I really love the strings here.

Finally 'Gunshot City', which sums up what Glorie's sound is about: nice atmospheres, repetitive but addictive structures, cool guitars, and a post-rock feeling. This is a great debut without a doubt, though I have to admit that in moments I felt tired of the same recipe, however the songs as single tracks are great, and as a whole, good, but can be better. Good luck for this promising band in their future plans! My final grade will be three stars.

Enjoy it!

Glorie are an American instrumental rock group who are listed here under Crossover Prog but on this album they sound very post-rock, specifically they sound heavily influenced by the Chicago band Tortoise. But they are not a clone and most of the resemblance comes from both groups heavy use of mallet/tuned percussion like vibraphones. There are no vocals in sight but rather, in addition to the guitars and drums, we get some piano as well as some cello and violins. Most of the music on this album is in the same style: mid-paced moody instrumental rock. Good for an album but I don't think they could make a whole career out of sounding like this.

"Music For A Horror Movie" does not really sound like horror movie music but is still one of the standout tracks here. Gets symphonic sounding towards the end. "Water Drops" features some great mournful and moody piano playing. This song contains a nice build- up. "Nightmares Then Sunshine" is one of the better tracks on the album and is slightly more upbeat and 'sunny' than the rest of the tracks. Last song "Gunshot City" probably has the best and most interesting use of vibraphone on this self-titled release. This song is slightly more melodic than the others. A good choice for song to end the album. The whole album is fairly consistent, but that also happens to be one of it's weaknesses; no one track really seems to stand out.

This album would appeal to fans of modern instrumental based Post-Rock and those who don't mind some vibes in their rock (Zappa and Gong fans, etc). On their next album it would be nice if there was a little more variety. This is as I said consistent and enjoyable but tends to stay in one place too long. There are a lot worse debut albums out there and I think this is a 'pay what you want' deal (but don't quote me on that!), so it's worth checking out. I will give this a 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

US act from Memphis, Tennesse, fronted by keyboardist/guitarist Jason Paxton.Glorie came together in 2009 and next to Paxton took place Jonathan Kirkscey (cello, guitar, keyboards), Robert Brimhall (guitar), Jeff Hulett (bass) and Andrew Saunders (drums).Paxton wrote the material of Glorie's upcoming self-titled debut, that was recorded in two different studios, Ardent in Memphis and Easley McCain Recording in Dallas, Texas.Officially the album came out in May 2011 as a free download on Bandcamp, although there were also physical CD copies for anyone interested.

Glorie play something that could be easily described as Post Rock, but their music is much deeper than this simplistic labeling.Definitely modern-sounding and extremely ethereal, ''Glorie'' is an all instrumental effort of breezy and dreamy Progressive Rock with touches of Classical Music popping out as well as more Indie Rock elements through the presence of atmospheric solos and hypnotic rhythms.Their Post Rock-ish style is usually surrounded by airy cello textures and the result is often outstanding.Despite the leanings towards atmospheric patterns the musicianship does not lack either energy or passion.The music is played under a deep inspiration with cinematic images appearing in front of the listener, while the mood ranges from optimistic tunes to more dramatic sessions.A steady and solid rhythm section provides the appropriate rhythmic washes for the three guitarists of the group, who offer light electric overtones, scratching heavier vibes or even edgy, memorable solos.Additionally ''Glorie'' is full of intricate melodies and irritating keyboards to satisfy even the fan of more melodic adventures.

Far from a just promising debut, ''Glorie'' defined the borders between Progressive and Atmospheric/Post Rock with comfort and showed glances for a bright future for a young and trully talented bunch of musicians.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.