UNTIL SUNRISE

Where does Progressive meet Post Rock? It is at the crest of Until Sunrise. This is probably my favorite new band of 2010. They have managed to create the perfect blend of Post Rock and Progressive. While there are some production problems with the debut release, the compositions are fantastic. This album is highly recommended for Post Rock and Progressive Fans alike.

The band consists of three permanent members; Joe Dorsey on Lead Guitar and Key Boards, Sam Dorsey on Drums and Tanner Beard on Bass with frequent guests appearance by David Glaze on Ambient Guitars and Sayre Pose on Violin.

Sunset has the classic Post Rock sound. The blend of rhythm and ambiance guitars creates a singular mystical melody joined by the driving base and drums resulting in an interesting opening to the new album. The song is introduced with an a distorted ambiance that almost sounds like an enthusiastic crowd applauding the sunset and getting more excited as the star dives below the horizon; ending with an ultra low base sound signaling the final decent of the sun. The song progresses with a sliding sounding guitar which ushers in the ever-building onset of darkness.

Pink is more developed and refined. It is the ultimate hipster song. It starts with a very catchy guitar rif that continues to build into a sort-of Pink Floyd-ish power chill song. The song is relaxing, but never gets boring. As the sun approaches the horizon, the sky turns pink. The daytime is pounded down into the ground by twilight.

Midnight comes powering in with the prime-mortal drumming. Scary ambience kicks in and then a haunting guitar picking in sync with the bass that carries the song on into the deepening abyss. It is clear that this is the turning point in the theme. The listener is taken from the involved complacency of the floating sounds of Sunset and Pink to a manic Midnight which sets the stage for the songs to come. The song evolves from a spooky setting to a crazy climax with crashing symbols and thumping base releasing incredible amounts of energy all the way until the end.

Then the listener is wide awake; waiting for the next movement. Insomnia is the natural progression. It starts with a very unique jamming jazz progression. There is a moment when the guitars and bass come together into a perfect ROCK unison moving the song to the next phase. It turns metal for a few moments and pounds on for a few moments before the jazz core returns. Then there are a few King Crimson moments before the song migrates into a beautiful melodic finale. Starting very manic and awake we are now lulled towards sleep.

Now falling into a deep slumber we are carried off into the epic "As the City Quietly Sleeps". We are drifting away from the Insomnia. The song slowly ramps into a rolling funky progressive tune that is reminiscent of a Porcupine Tree tune colliding with God Speed Black Emperor song. Math rock kicks in with a 80s King Crimson guitar progressions and complex rolling bass line. Then the song suddenly crashes; devolving into very interesting ambiance which has guitar rif rising and falling into perfection. Well if that is not enough, the theme continuous with the piano leading the rest of the band to the final movement joined by the beautiful violin of Sayre. While the song could use a little more polish, the core theme is maintained throughout and it has all of the hallmarks of the traditional ultra-long progressive epics of the past. This song has huge potential as a re-release and may be the best composition on the album.

This song is followed by the Maudlin Interlude; which is a refreshing acoustic guitar break from the busier progressive psychedelic deliriums which proceeded. The song is short yet complete. The acoustic guitar is beautiful accompanied by bells and harmonica. The unusual application of the instruments is sure to catch the attention of the post rock crowd. The most discriminating ear is certain to appreciate the musicality of the song. Also the production is less raw, which will certainly have more appeal to the masses.

Sunrise explodes over the horizon. The heavy lead guitar makes it clear that morning has arrived. This song has a few production flaws, but in general may be one of the most thoughtful songs on the album. The song starts with the sounds of morning. The ambience sounds like birds and green grass are followed by sliding guitar. The sun is lifted into the sky with the movements of Sunrise. As an older prog rocker I am slightly reminded of "and you and I".

First Signs of Summer is certainly a Sunrise interlude. The song is bright and cheerful. It is another acoustic masterpiece and brings us further into the day.

The finale is incredible. The classical training of these young musicians shines through again here. The song is led by a catchy bass riffs, followed by jazzy drums and building piano. The song is happy. Nostalgic Moment is the perfect ending to the album. The listener is obviously drawn into back into slumber. There is a blue sky and warm sun, but it is now time to nap and catch up on the sleep lost from the Insomnia. A final and distinct piano note of D sharply and appropriately ends the album.

The composition and coherence of the album is incredible for such a young band and what was apparently an armature recording environment yields a pretty good work. The musical compositions are very impressive given their ages, and the classical/Jazz music training is evident.

I have heard this young band play on Delicious Agony Internet Radio twice. Rumor has it that they will be playing a 45 minute live set on the Radio in Opposition show on NPR radio in Pennsylvania by tuning into 88.1 FM Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania on 93.9 FM, Easton/Phillipsburg, 93.7 FM Fogelsville/Trexlertown or listening to live stream on http://www.wdiy.org/listen/.

There is no doubt that the recording is raw, but maybe that is part of the charm for me. Until Sunrise is the type of album that grows on you with every listen. I have personally put it on my iPod and listen to it routinely while exercising. I highly recommend adding it to your collection.