AS THE WORLD

This is not Echolyn's best album; it has many songs, but some of them aren't as remarkable as the others. However, it is a treasure chest, and the pearls therein are among the brightest. This too must be said: Thomas Hyatt is one of greatest bassists ever. The evidence is here, and Paul Ramsey alongside him makes for an even more delicious rhythm section. And if you make it to the end (literally, ha), "Never the Same" is amazing.

"All Ways the Same" This is a string and vocal introduction- lovely.

"As the World" The title track has a rapid acoustic guitar and Brett Kull and Ray Weston on vocals. The middle section is one of the most Gentle Giant like passages the band ever had, and yet it is distinctively theirs. Even the guitar solo enters in randomly, a la "Peel the Paint." Still, it has a great, upbeat, and memorable chorus.

"Uncle" After a funky bass and drum groove, the punchy and somewhat disturbing verses comes in, which are about bullying. The piano and guitar are especially cooperative. It is a dynamic song that may not appeal to everyone. It isn't their best, but is a tad reminiscent of Suffocating the Bloom.

"How Long Have I Waited" One of the best songs on the album, this has a guitar rhythm lead into a great Weston vocal. This is has one of the greatest, popping bass performances Echolyn would ever know. The drums are perfect too. The chorus is smooth and wonderful- a masterpiece.

"Best Regards" A short acoustic piece with a quavering vocal opens a heavier, more straightforward song. It has heavy but disjointed moments.

"The Cheese Stands Alone" This song has a jaunty verse and smoother chorus, with a raucous instrumental section. Yet it is quite memorable and very entertaining, ranging as it does from eccentric rock to nursery rhyme allusions.

"Prose" Chris Buzby offers a lovely piano piece that includes acoustic guitar and upright bass, eventually joined by drums.

"A Short Essay" Weston croons in his own way over strings, piano, and guitar. It has quick chorus and a sizzling electric guitar solo over vocalizations.

"My Dear Wormwood" Evidently inspired by C.S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters, this has some lyrics from one experienced demon to another, but has music so jazzy and upbeat, the listener may sin himself.

"Entry 11.19.93" This has a very symphonic, sweet introduction that leads into the 50s; if 1950s Doo Wop groups are desired, this is desirable- beautiful. Weston does not disappoint as a vocalist on this lighter piece, and the synthesizer lead comes out to add another dimension to the album.

"One for the Show" Kull sings over a lovely acoustic guitar before the whole band enters, filling out the sound. It has a nice build.

"The Wiblet" Wild and unrestrained, this piece goes in every direction and nowhere at once.

"Audio Verite" Distorted guitar leads into circus-like keyboards. While not bad, I think of this as a piece where Echolyn just didn't have a vision; they are all over the place. It's pleasant pop here, then circus music there.

"Settled Land" This moderate, light rocker has excellent vocal harmonies and piano augmenting the quieter parts. There are some references in the music, including one from Stephen King's It: "We all float down here."

"A Habit Worth Forming" This piece begins like a Weston-led song from And Every Blossom, with him in the lower register and acoustic music behind him. The drums, bass, and organ have something other to say, however, filling out the piece. The piano is beautiful.

"Never the Same" Play this at my funeral. For a month I listened to this song nightly after my cousin, a mother of three children who had just two weeks prior gave up drugs and became a Christian, perished in a car crash. During this time or mourning, I contacted Brett Kull and asked if I could interview him. He got back to me in twelve hours and agreed. The interview is here: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=71261 The lyrics are perfect, the music is perfect, and only the acoustic version captures the mood better. I know few ways to end an album better than this- amazing.

"After the song is over, the dance goes on, so dance away."

Thanks. I will.