EUTHERIA

EQUUS is a young band from Get A Life! Records, THE EVPATORIA REPORT's home. The so-called 'swiss school' can be clearly heard in this record, and those who have already heard SHORA or EVPATORIAns must get this one without hesitation. Why should others follow their example? Let me explain.

Imagine early ANEKDOTEN, influenced by Doom-Metal instead of KING CRIMSON or PRIMUS...no, wait. Take YNDI HALDA and force them to play Prog-Rock...no-no-no, not exactly, again. OK, begin to think from these characteristics, but don't let them shape your final impression! EQUUS is far more epic and grandiose, than any other band ever walked the Post-genres. Music enters after the whole minute of solemn silence, and what music it is! Low-tuned heavy drums (as if borrowed from NEUROSIS), dark guitars, and good Lord, MELLOTRON, the old dinosaur from 'Prog-ruled-the-Earth' times! Never chaotic or sudden, music flows through tempo, signature and mood changes, making your wonder how these guys manage to keep you sharp for the whole 31 minutes of opening track! I even liked that oriental stuff in the last track - I swear I never did before! Ranging from Post-Metal to Ambient, 'Eutheria' sounds like a journey, like a trip, but absolutely legal ;) If you miss that, you'll regret for the last of your life. One of the best discoveries from this year so far and my top-5 album of 2008. Extremely recommended!

4.5 stars. I have to thank Prog-jester for his raving review of this album which led me to purchase this. Of course when he suggested they sounded like an ANEKDOTEN / Doom-Metal cross I just had to hear it. He's not too far off either, although this is clearly Post-Rock. The only other Post-Rock band i've heard that used mellotron was LAZONA, but this is not only a much better album, it has a lot more mellotron. I really feel like David Mamie is the star here with his chunky bass and his use of mellotron, Rhodes and synths. It is the addition of all these sounds that make this a very interesting and pleasing listen.

"Hyracotherium" is the over 31 minute opening track. There is dead silence for over a minute, although if you turn it up really loud you can hear sounds. Anyway this doom-like, slow plodding rhythm comes in with tuned-down guitars, heavy bass and slow pounding drums. Very minimilistic and repetitive.Then 6 minutes in the mellotron floods in beautifully. The drums,guitars and bass all get louder as the tempo picks up too. The mellotron is gorgeous though. A calm 10 1/2 minutes in as drums stop and acoustic guitar takes over with mellotron coming and going. The sound is starting to build as drums return. More intensity before 15 minutes. The tempo and mood continues to shift. The mellotron is back after 19 1/2 minutes. Nice.Post- Rock styled guitars after 21 minutes in an all out assault. A calm after 22 minutes as drums stop again. They're back before 24 minutes as it starts to build. Just an amazing sound 25 1/2 minutes in. It settles after 26 minute to an atmospheric calm as waves of sound come in and continue for almost 5 minutes as it blends into "Orrorin Tugenensis".

Drums come in with guitar and bass as it builds. Growly bass and an intense sound after 2 minutes. A brief calm 8 1/2 minutes but then it comes back heavier than ever. Absolute chaos before 10 1/2 minutes. Another calm 12 minutes in before it kicks back in before 16 minutes. Incredible sound ! It settles again before 17 1/2 minutes right to the end of the song (4 minutes) as it blends into "Epona". Drums come in then bass as it builds. Fantastic sound after 2 1/2 minutes as mellotron comes in. Angular guitar 3 1/2 minutes in as mellotron flows.Yes this is like ANEKDOTEN somewhat, this is more mellow though.This repetitive melody continues until it slowly fades out 12 minutes in and a new melody starts. Strummed guitar, percussion and vocal melodies end it.

Anyone who loves Post-Rock with heavy, dark soundscapes will be overjoyed i'm sure. 9/10.