EUPNEA

It was only my respect for the band's debut "The Dark Third" that moved me to finally check this one out. Released in 2020 many claimed it was finally a return to the level of the debut and in fact on the site here "Eupnea" is rated higher which I find almost shocking. Maybe it was being part if the buzz that was happening after "The Dark Third" came out and finally picking it up and acknowledging that it was something special, something different. Familiar with the FLOYD vibe but those harmonies. I mean a six piece band with all adding vocals. Almost to a fault.

It all sort of went downhill from there until as a duo Chloe and Jon record "Eupnea" with a guest drummer, so really a trio. A far cry. And this isn't "The Dark Third" part two by any means, this is nothing like it. Yes lots of vocals and as a piece of work this is very well done it's just not music I'm really into, I don't want to listen to this. The cover art is terrible. Taken from a painting I just don't get it.

So we get about 48 minutes of music over six tracks with the self titled closer being the epic at 13 1/2 minutes. And it is interesting that the vocals on it brought "The Dark Third" to mind briefly a couple of times. The opening vocals melodies don't though even if it is a focus on that harmony-like style this is just different. It's Chloe singing later that brought the debut to mind. A very proggy track regardless and one of the best ones. I really have a hard time with "Maelstrom" just too lightweight and sweet at times.

And that's what I find myself thinking with each track there's stuff I like and things I don't and overall each track is okay. I do like the heaviness they bring as well but for some reason I'm digging the vocals this time. Not a four star record in my world but I will continue to enjoy "The Dark Third" so thanks for that amazing debut.