ECHOLYN

I am thrilled to be the first echolyn fan to be able to write a review on this, their latest album. For those who know the band well, you will understand that echolyn is not the most prolific outfit in terms of musical output. But, what they lack in volume, they more than make up for in terms of pure musical quality. So, given that it's been 7 years since their previous masterworks, 'The End Is Beautiful', and many months (years?) of eager/painful anticipation, imagine my relief at being finally able to hear the album a week or so ago. This album, not to be confused with their first album of the same name, is a double CD (and also available in a limited vinyl release of 500 in gatefold covers) and contains 70 minutes of music across just 8 tracks.

My overall impression after the first airing (via ProgScape Radio, thanks Mike Ostrich) is that the music is easy on the ear. That's not to imply that it's simplistic, or poppy, but it surely contains lots of great melodies, hooks and hummable moments. No, it's not until repeat listenings that the sheer depth, complexity and variety of the compositions really begins to shine through. Much of the album, most notably 'Island', 'Some Memorial' and 'The Cardinal and I' remind me strongly of their extraordinary magnum opus from 2002, 'Mei' with lead vocals principally from Ray Weston. Other tracks such as 'When Sunday Spills', 'Locust to Bethlehem' take me back to TEIB, whilst two tracks, 'Past Gravity' and 'Speaking in Lampblack' are of a much more gentle, pastoral nature with with lead vocals provided by Brett Kull. The remaining track, and the shortest on the album at about 3 minutes, 'Headright', has a more straightforward, poppy demeanour altogether, though with a smashing ending which really rocks.

I've now listened to 'echolyn' (not to confuse you, I'm referring to their 2012 opus and not the band or their 1991 debut album) about 30+ times and it just gets better and better as you discover all those layers, subtle nuances, and hidden nooks and crannies. It demonstrates beautifully the group output of a bunch of song-writers and musicians at the height of their creative powers and sums up for me their 21 year history as a band. These 8 songs have been carefully and painstakingly crafted (and I don't use that word lightly); yes, crafted, into works of sheer and unique beauty together with the usual healthy echolyn dose of lyrical angst and nostalgia reflecting some of their real life experiences. Above all this is an echolyn album with that indefinable quality which makes them utterly original, makes them stand out from the crowd, never an imitation (pale or otherwise) of a bygone age.

My personal favourites? It's never easy to choose, but I'd select the longest and opening track 'Island' (16mins) and 'Some Memorial' (12mins) as being the pick of the crop ... but, as ever, they are all excellent.

For me, the album is right up there with the best of echolyn's work not quite reaching the pinnacle that was 'Mei' but truly worthy of 5 "windows" (see the album cover from hereonin to be known as "The Window Album"). Today is the day that my signed copy of the 2CD set (for pre-orders only) has been put in the hands of the US Postal Service to deliver to my sweaty palms in a few days time. Can't wait to hear it in high definition and to crank up the volume on my speakers whilst my wife is away and I have the house to myself.

Thanks to Brett, Ray, Chris, Paul and Tom for making another work of sheer beauty and brilliance. Guys, you are up there with the all-time greats in my view. All you need to do now is to book those flights to Europe for a reunion beer!

- Johnny Marsh, Kenilworth, England