HOW STRANGE, INNOCENCE

How strange, a band with innocence. And indeed, innocent this album is. A naïve sound, with somewhat pure melodies created by this quartet, evoking emotions with their instruments, in a way not many bands can, with an all instrumental outfit. The melodies this band creates are so beautiful and mesmerizing. The music may sound sad but it is only part of what EITS does. Their songs are, as a matter a fact, filled with hope, and yes joy even, a scarred music that seeks the brighter side of life. A music that shows the pains that people endure, and yet it does not despair and continues onward with the hope of regaining that which has been lost and taken away.

With post-rock I can't escape the feelings that fill me when I listen to it. EITS especially conjures in me those sensations not many others do. This album, even though not their best, is a special favourite album of mine. It is an album to take away with you when you want to relax, meditate, wander off, be alone, watch the sunset, see the sunrise. It is amazing that those four guys create such rich musical themes with such few instruments. What I love about this band is that each member has the opportunity to be heard and not only that, but to show and express his musical abilities.

It starts oh so mellow, with the bass guitar emerging with this simple yet captivating tune. Then the two guitars follow, electric and acoustic join in and the music is released to the air. They continue to spiral over the starting tune the bass determined to be the main theme of the song which is a "Song for our fathers". At 3:08 there is a slight change in the tune and the guitar starts playing an enchanting melody that invites the drums to play louder than up until now. Snow and Lights has a beautiful ending part in which the two guitars and the drums create this fast musical bit that creates an elated feeling, making you want run against the wind. Magic Hours has a beautiful part from 3:28 to the end. It begins very softly with the guitar alone playing a simple tune and then all join slowly and quietly until the climax, which is awesome. Look into the air is as soft as a usual quiet rock song but it is a nice tune nonetheless.

I don't think music can be successfully described, and it is not supposed to I guess. Anyway, I am not good at describing it, so I will cease, and tell you this: I know other fans say that this is their weakest work and it is still not ripe. I do not subscribe to this view in full. I think this album is showing great talent and potential and that both are fulfilled to a large extent in this record. It is true that in the following albums they have progressed and moved on. But the foundations are already here. The improved EITS you hear on "Those Who Tell The Truth." and "The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place" is indeed better sounding and created more complex music, but it does not diminish one bit from the virtues of this album and it does not make it any less good. I believe it is an album worth getting and listening to. It is more than worth it, it should be listened to and appreciated. Then, when you listen to their following records, your enjoyment will increase, you will see how much they have evolved and you will understand where they came from. It is however a 3 star rating I give this album, as I want to differentiate between my personal and emotional feelings towards it (which constitute my great appreciation of this record) and the neutral and judgemental approach I have towards it (which represent my criticism towards it). Therefore, if I want to let people know what this is like, then it is a good album albeit non-essential.