ENEMIES OF C. FRIAS

Lately I've been reading a lot about Charts and Maps, more specifically, about their "Dead Horse" album which is actually their first studio album released. However, I have not listened to it yet, but I am sure I will, eventually. Meanwhile, I went to Lost Children's free downloads and did what I had to do. Now I can say that people who like post rock, but not in its classic or organic style, but with a blend of genres, should go and download it. Here they offer a four-track EP with a total time of 28 minutes; three of those songs are 5-7 minutes average, while the last one is about 10:30. Now let me tell why I am suggesting listening to "Enemies of C. Frias". The first motif is called "Pearl Drivers of the Arabian Peninsula". Repetitive drums and then some kind of jazzy guitars, later the rhythm becomes a bit odd with the addition of new elements, creating a strange blend of post-rock, jazz and even RIO. The song is enjoyable from beginning to end, giving us a proof of their great skills as musicians and composers. Since this first track I knew they wouldn't be a regular band, on the other side, they are an original and really interesting act.

"Herd of Elephants" starts slow but later it becomes juicier. Now the blend is of math rock with funky guitars. The song changes a bit after 2:30 and produces a gentle and comfortable sound. I like the bass notes and all the guitars creating different figures. Very nice track. The next one is "The Sheriff Suspects Arson (ii)" and with it the saxophone and jazzy style return. The first two minutes are mid-tempo to slow, but later there is a wonderful moment in which the intensity increase little by little until it reaches a climax. Later it slows down again; the math-rock guitars appear and that extraordinary blend is formed once again. The last two minutes are different, with new atmospheres and another style; the beauty of Charts and Maps is their capacity of gathering so many elements in just one song.

The EP finishes with its longest track, entitled "In the Town of Machine", whose first introductory minute is full of slide guitars. Later the slides continue but now accompanied by drums and bass. Through the minutes the guitars add new forms, styles and elements. We can listen to some Crimsonian (Discipline era) ones that produce the so called math-rock style. Then the song is progressing little by little, creating an intense, addictive, and vertiginous sound. After five minutes, the saxophone enters with some cadence and softness, and its sound also becomes higher and more emotional while the seconds pass. With this only song, one can feel satisfied, but if you have this track, along with the previous three, one can be more than happy. And thanks Charts and Maps for giving this EP for free.

If I were you, I would go and download it, believe me, it is worth it. Now my homework is to finally listen to their full-length album. My final grade for "Enemies of C. Frias" is four stars, well deserved.

Enjoy it!