A VERY STILL MOVEMENT (EP)

The EP gives examples of the bands heavy progressive sound in their early days. It starts off with "Catalyst" which nears the 7 minute mark. This is the original version of this song. A re-recorded version is on their debut album "Efforesce". It has a heavy guitar hook that introduces the song which continues in it's heaviness until it comes to the vocal part, where it calms some until the chorus. It's rougher than the version on the future album, but it is still enjoyable. It alternates between heavy and calmness throughout the long instrumental break and is similar to a post rock sound, but leaning more to a hard rock, almost grungy feel.

"A Very Still Movement" comes next and is unique to this EP. It is an atmospheric piece with an ambient and psychedelic feel made up of sustained and processed guitar and keyboard notes and a slow warbling effect. There is also a subdued drone underneath it all. This is a short 3 and a half minute track with no vocals.

"Women Who Love Men Who Love Drugs" was also re-recorded for the debut album, but appears here in its original form. It has a run time of over 9 minutes. It starts with a guitar playing a soft arpeggio and is quickly accompanied by a steady beat and a nice, heavy bass pattern. Again, there is that leaning toward post rock. This is an excellent track as it also is on the debut album. Shortly after the 3 minute mark, the song explodes with noise and heavy emotion pouring out of the guitar chords. It calms again after a few minutes for a beautiful interlude of shimmering guitars and thumping bass. At about 6 minutes, it enters into a peaceful section which allows you to float off into space for the remainder of the track.

The last track is also unique to this EP. "Sizeofanocean" has guest backing vocals and guitar from Sal Belamir from the English band "Amplifier". It starts with a soft beat and shimmering guitars and wordless vocals which are mostly subdued. Soon, a mellow melody starts with Mike Vennart's higher vocals, but things suddenly escalate as it gets heavy and his vocals almost become dirty, but with more passion. On the next verse, things calm again. Mike's vocals are weak when he is in his falsetto voice, but he shines on the heavier passages.

The 2 best songs on here are also on the debut album and the other two tracks are okay, but probably better suited for those fans that just have to have everything. For me, I love Oceansize's music and consider this one worth searching for, but it may not be as important for typical listeners. I believe it is good enough to be worthwhile to get if you can find it, but I only wish it were longer of course. I believe it is at least a strong 3 star EP.

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