ECHOLYN

4.5 stars.Getting to know this band has been a real journey for me.I'm just thankful i didn't give up after not really enjoying my first experience with them because now i have four albums from them that i enjoy very much.And yes this is one of the four.This one really surprised me though because most consider it to be one of their weaker albums and i couldn't disagree more.First of the song writing is fantastic and the instrumental work is tight and inventive.It's the emotion though that really makes this album a special one for me. "Fountainhead" opens with samples from the movies which is kind of cool.It turns epic sounding 2 1/2 minutes in to the end. "The Great Men" is a top three track for sure.Nice intsrumental work early before it settles after 1 1/2 minutes and the vocals join in.So moving.The lyrics are so meaningful.Passionate vocals after 3 minutes.Check out the instrumental work after 5 minutes as well.Amazing tune ! "On Any Given Nite" settles quickly with keys and reserved vocals.it's fuller before 2 minutes.Emotion.Contrasts continue.Beautiful.It kicks in even fuller with guitar late.Nice. "Carpe Diem" is uptempo with vocals.The vocals give way to the guitar 2 minutes in but not for long.Aggressive guitar and drums late to end it. "Shades" is another top three tune for me.Acoustic guitar and reserved vocals to start.It kicks in at 1 1/2 minutes then settles back.Passionate vocals 3 1/2 minutes in.The song continues to contrast the laid back and powerful sections so well. "Clumps Of Dirt" is a nasty instrumental especially the organ work.Drum show 2 1/2 minutes in then a guitar solo a minute later. "Peace In Time" is a pleasant and uplifting track.Vocals after a minute.Tasteful guitar 3 1/2 minutes in.I like this one a lot. "Meaning And The Moment" is the other top three.Acappela singing to start followed by music that builds.This one is too good for words.Again the lyrics are so meaningful. "Breath Of Fresh Air" is what this album must have been like to prog fans in 1991.Another feel good song. "Until It Rains" has some great sounding synths in it early on with growly bass.Vocals after a minute then it picks up.Sax 4 minutes in. "The Velveteen Rabbit" touches on childhood with the question "Remember when...?" coming often.This isn't the only track to talk about our childhood on this album.I just get lost in this song.There's so many tracks that could be my top three which is saying a lot. I love this album and would list only "Cowboy Poems Free" as perhaps one i like more.An absolute pleasure. I have to thank Prog-Traveller(Mike) so much for the honour of hearing this album.

This particular EP was released the year after "Suffocating The Bloom" came out.It really feels like one of those unplugged sessions which i'm not a fan of.So yes it's acoustic music but all in all it's a good little recording.It seemed like the perfect listening material this afternoon on such a hot humid summers day. "Bright Sides" has this cute introduction from a child before violin,acoustic guitar and vocals lead the way.Very laid back with piano 1 1/2 minutes in. "Ballet For A Marsh" is another relaxing tune with piano,acoustic guitar and vocals out front.It does pick up after 2 minutes but then settles back. "Lunch In The Sun" is again mostly acoustic guitar and vocals until the guest horns kick in before 3 minutes.The child is back introducing "Blue And Sand" with acoustic guitar,piano and vocals leading the way. An acoustic EP that's quite different from what we usually hear from this band.

This is generally considered to be ECHOLYN's weakest album and there is a reason for that.The band had broken up after "As The World" so this album which was released the following year was really a posthumous release.It consists of finished tracks,demos and live tunes. Overall it's surprisingly good although not more than 3 stars good in my opinion.It's just that i do enjoy it. "100 Diversions" builds quickly as the vocals arrive.The organ and drums are prominant as they come and go.Piano leads 3 minutes in.It settles 6 minutes in with piano,guitar and drums standing out.Good song. "Another Day" is guitar and vocal led. "When The Sour Turns To Sweet" is actually a cover of a GENESIS track from their debut.Piano and snapping fingers to open followed by reserved vocals.It kicks in before a minute but settles again quickly with vocals.It picks up 2 minutes in.Fun section.Themes are repeated. "Morning And The Moment" opens with strummed guitar as vocals join in.Some nice harmonies here. "The Currents Of Me" is impressive early instrumentally.I really like it.Vocals before a minute.The tempo continues to shift on this one. "Patchwork" opens with guitar,piano and drums but it settles quickly with vocals.I like the tasteful guitar 3 minutes in. "This Time Alone" opens with piano.It kicks in after 1 1/2 minutes.This is great.Powerful stuff.It settles back before 4 minutes.I like the synths that follow too.Themes are repeated.This is my favourite tune on here. "A Little Nonsense" and "as The World" are live tracks from ProgDay 95. So certainly not essential but fans will enjoy this i'm sure.

This fourth « Echolyn » album is by far not their best one.

If you are looking for great synth parts, gorgeous guitar break, emotional vocals: well; this is not the album you should listen to. The first (and last?) great song is the excellent "Meaning and the Moment" during which you can almost find the ingredients I have mentioned before (except for the synths).

The most crafted "instrument" is globally the vocal department; but the "Gentle Giant" filiation is often too marked and might sound somewhat regressive in comparison with the original. Still, the overall mood is fine; the execution of the music is outstanding. But I'm lacking emotion and passion.

The more I listen to this band, the more I believe that they should better sit in the eclectic section of this site. Complex music, intricate vocal arrangements, mixing of musical styles (but deeply investigating the jazzy one) are "Echolyn" ingredients you can discover all the way through their albums.

As a whole, this work doesn't turn so sour. But it isn't that sweet either. Even if the intro part of "This Time Alone" might hold these aspects (sweet I mean). At the end of the day, this album contains "working" versions of unreleased songs (referred as such on the back cover). And two live tracks.

It is certainly not the album to start with if you are willing to investigate into this good band. "Suffocating the Bloom" is by far a better entry IMHHO.

Three stars for this one.

How's your attention span these days? Can you focus on one thing only for fifty minutes? That's what you'll have to do to make it through MEI, the 2002 single-track epic from American nouveau proggers Echolyn.

For my money, Echolyn are one of the very few contemporary prog bands who manage to recall the music's glory days without being overly derivative. When I listen to them, I don't find myself thinking "I've heard all this before" ? something I can't say of many newer acts. Echolyn continually pull off the difficult balancing act of recapturing the exuberant, inventive spirit of past masters like Gentle Giant (their most obvious antecedent), while yet making music which is fresh, engaging and original. MEI is no exception.

MEI is a modern-day wonder -- as much sheer achievement as it is great music. How many other bands today have the audacity and courage to attempt a single-track album, and the talent to pull off the venture so compellingly? Not very many! MEI can be viewed as a kind of new millennium counterpart to Jethro Tull's classic THICK AS A BRICK. As with Tull's renowned epic, MEI travels through many musical and lyrical moods and themes, while yet coming across as a single, unified piece -- no mean feat.

There's a surplus of substance here, a lot to absorb. This is "difficult" music in the best sense of the term, in that it requires much of the listener. One must dedicate nearly fifty minutes to a continuous piece of music, but for the listener able to allot the time and attention MEI needs -- and deserves -- the rewards are ample. Echolyn could easily have played things safe, and delivered MEI as a "normal" album of multiple songs. That they didn't follow the "obvious" path says a lot about them as uncompromising, original artists willing to take risks and ply their own course in a time of cookie-cutter conformity and fake, industry-created acts. It also says a lot about MEI as a viable, fully-realized single work.

Musically, MEI may well be Echolyn's finest hour (or near-hour). The vocals have never sounded better, more impassioned or more expressive. Tasty guitars and keyboards --with lots of nice crunchy organ -- dominate the sound. This baby flat-out rocks.

The lyrics, meanwhile, are perhaps the band's most incisive, hard hitting and relevant yet. They reflect a broad and mature emotional palette, going from yearning, to bitter anger, to hope as they journey through no less vast and complex a subject than America today, and the individual's place within it.

MEI is something you experience in a different way. Because of its commitment-demanding one-track nature, it is not for casual listening -- likely it won't find its way onto your CD player as often as it might, had it been a multi-track album. That's understandable. Therefore, one could easily ask "should Echolyn have done this?" Yet that's a moot question. The point is, they have done it, and they've fully, utterly, resoundingly succeeded with it.

In all, MEI is a triumph of an unfettered, far-reaching vision married with the sheer artistry and force of will necessary to realize that vision in all its uncompromised, sprawling glory. Great prog is still being made, and Echolyn deliver it in spades here. I can only give MEI the full five stars, and thus dub it a modern "masterpiece of progressive rock." Brilliant!

I'm probably the only ECHOLYN fan not to have "MEI" or "As The World" included in my top three albums by them.In fact i'm not too fond of either of those recordings even though many fans hail them as masterpieces. My top three are "Cowboy Poems Free","Suffocating The Bloom" and "The End Is Beautiful". "MEI" as you probably know is one long track that goes on for almost 50 minutes. I was laughing at a comment by someone on another site who compared it to GREEN CARNATION's "Light Of Day,Day Of Darkness" and said at least it wasn't as boring as that one.I laughed because i feel the exact opposit is true.GREEN CARNATION's album just flows and it's so dynamic and interesting while ECHOLYN's album really bores me almost all the time.I know i'm in the minority with these thoughts but honestly to really simplify it we get organ and drums in the more powerful sections leading contrasted with the more laid back passages with reserved vocals.Again that's really over simplifying it but other than the organ/drum sections this is hard to get into, and even those get tiresome after a while.They do mix it up at times certainly with strings and some guitar, but vocals,drums and organ standout mostly throughout.I just don't feel any emotion with this album and i'm not wowed by complexity.3 stars.

This third album (as the previous two IMHHO) does share more with the eclectic genre than the symphonic one.

Complex beat, à la GG vocals, and excellent instrumental combination are the strong lines of this material. But the whole is hard to digest: little great instrumental passages, few (to none) vocal extravaganza, close to none gorgeous tracks.

So, what's left?

Well, a bunch of good songs indeed. Fine musicianship (that' the least you can expect from such a band), but average vocals. A mixed kind of a feeling. And the madrigal "Prose" is nothing from the other world.

I am not as enthusiastic as most of my fellow reviewers about this album. Not enough melodies to my taste. Not enough musical delirium. A good album of complex music. Eclectic is the word as many colleagues have referred to. So: wrong category here for sure.

Anyway: the music displayed here deserves a listen; but don't expect a masterpiece. Well. That's what I think! The dreadful "My Dear Wormwood" should convince you that both of the worlds are sitting here. The good. But the weak as well?Little compelling to tell the truth.

Mine is that I very much prefer "Suffocating the Bloom" than this one. Three stars is my maximum rate. A good album (at times) but too longish and with little feel. The whole of this album sounds too average really. Such a song as "Audio Vérité" is really not a ?cent worth. Press next. For sure.

If you're heading for syrupy stuff, welcome to "Settled Land". A poor complaint. An average musical interpretation. In all: a weak moment which should have been closed down.

This band is hard to categorized (which is a good thing IMHHO). Some eclectic lovers will praise them. Some symphonic ones would just have a discreet listen to this record. Both will end up on a totally different view?Even if intricate parts aren't too many out here.

Three stars.

I have the remastered version and i do like the album cover better on this one too.When i first heard about this band several years ago i purchased "The End Is Beautiful" , "As The World" and "MEI" all around the same time.I figured i had a good cross section with these three albums. I started with "As The World" and soon found myself wondering why this band is so popular in the prog world.It was just a difficult listen for me.Within a month i thought i'd move on to their latest thinking it was probably different,and it was and i loved it. I decided to hold off on "MEI" for fear it sounded like "As The World". In the meantime i became friends with Todd(the RPI guy) who had as his avatar "Cowboy Poems Free" and a five star review of that album.I noticed on other sites that this album wasn't held in as high esteem as "Suffocating The Bloom","MEI" or "As The World" but knowing that Todd and i have very similar tastes in music i bought it and "Suffocating The Bloom". I reviewed the latter recently and thought it was incredible."Cowboy Poems Free" is even better.Thanks Todd! Interesting that the band had a hiatus after "As The World" as they all went off doing their thing in other bands.They returned for this one and promptly made a more accessible,song oriented album.This is powerful but the lyrics are even more powerful.Check out Epignosis' review as he explains really well the theme of this recording.This album just blows me away.It could not be more perfect. "Texas Dust" opens with percussion before a full sound kicks in quickly.It's uptempo.A calm with vocals a minute in.This is moving stuff.The chorus is gorgeous.It picks up after 4 minutes with some excellent guitar.This is a top three for me. "Poem #1" is a short atmospheric piece. "Human Lottery" kicks in with guitar.Drums before it settles with vocals.It's full again as contrasts continue.Some killer bass and guitar at times. "Gray Flannel Suits" has a catchy beat with vocals.I like when they slow it down before 2 minutes and after 3 minutes.It turns powerful before 4 minutes.Nice. "Poem #2" is another soundscape piece. "High As Pride" features reserved vocals and piano to start as strummed guitar joins in.Drums and organ around 3 minutes.This song seems to get better as it plays out. "American Vacation" has this uptempo instrumental intro which impresses before vocals arrive around a minute.Spoken words before 3 1/2 minutes and a heavier sound follows. "Swingin' The Axe" is a passionate track and it's pretty heavy too. "1729 Broadway" is another top three for me.Spacey sounds echo as a beat comes in.Vocals follow.Organ before 1 1/2 minutes.A moving track.Guitar 3 minutes in is great then he rips it up after 5 minutes for good measure.It blends into "Poem #3" another mellow piece. "67 Degrees" is the last top three song.Love the keyboard sounds to open.Drums then vocals come in.How good does this sound ! Those keys are back late to end it.Great track. Vocals arrive a minute in on "Brittany".This is such a feel good tune for me.It's right there with the top three.It gets fairly powerful at times.It's a blast. "Poem #4" has these loud percussion sounds and vocals.Cool. "Too Late For Everything" ends it in style.A relaxing but dark and meaningful song. There are so many lines i'd like to quote from songs here.Just brilliant lyrics.Such a talented band.I see the light.

ECHOLYN's second album is where i probably should have started with them instead of "As The World" which i couldn't get into. No orchestral sections here like on "As The World" and it's a shorter album than that one too.I don't know but this one hits the spot and that's all that matters isn't it? This is powerful with a GENTLE GIANT flavour, and the clever lyrics are like the cherry on top if you know what i mean. "21" kicks in quickly and the guitar is prominant.Vocals before 2 minues.It settles 4 minutes in before kicking in again. "Winterthru" opens with samples.The lyrics and therefore lyrics are the focus here and both are excellent.I really like the dreamy chorus too. "Memoirs From Between" is another amazing song.So touching.Piano and reserved vocals to start.Acoustic guitar and synths follow.I like the vocal arrangements 4 minutes in then it kicks into gear.Great sound. The tempo continues to shift. Love the repeated words "Set a course up ahead straight into heaven". The next track is the short "Reaping The Harvest" where strings lead the way. "In Every Garden" opens with multi-vocals then the music kicks in.The bass,drums and keyboards are killer. Vocals are back.Powerful sound before 4 minutes as he shouts "Suffocating the bloom !" "A Little Nonsense" sounds so good instrumentally to start then the vocals take the spotlight.Both shine in this one. "The Sentimental Chain" features flute,acoustic guitar and violin as it blends into "One Voice" where reserved vocals join in.Strings follow.Guitar and drums after 3 minutes then it settles again until later. "Here I Am" has this powerful intro then vocal melodies before a minute.Nice chunky bass follows then vocals.Great song. "Cactapus" is a laid back instrumental.It's a beautiful tune.Some tasteful guitar after a minute too. Next up is the over 28 minute "A Suite For The Everyman" which deals with the "loss of innocence and idealism".It's broken down into 11 tracks and many are very short pieces. "Only Twelve" opens with mournful strings then it builds. "A Cautious Repose" is a pleasant,feel good track.It's fuller before 2 minutes. "Bearing Down" has such a good sound to it with the drums,vocals and chunky bass. "Cash Flow Shuffle" is less than a minute of fantastic instrumental music. "Mr.Oxy Moron" has some attitude early.It settles after a minute and sounds even better.It kicks back in late.Killer track! "Twelve's Enough" is simply gorgeous then synths and drums join in.Guitar leads late. "I Am The Tide" has these pulsating sounds as reserved vocals join in. "Cannoning In B Major" features marching style drums and cheering. "Picture Perfect" opens with guitar,bass and drums that get aggressive. "Those That Want To Buy" puts the focus on the vocals although the bass is fat.Some GENESIS-like synths before 3 minutes. "Suffocating The Bloom" ends the suite in a beautiful way.Acoustic guitar and vocals lead.Some piano and strings too later on. This is just too good to give anything less than 4 stars.I'm impressed.

It is often difficult to rate an EP. Too short probably to make one's own judgement but long enough to get an idea?

This "Echolyn" work offers two facets: a soft and folkish affair while you listen to the opening "Bright Sides". And a more conventional "Echolyn" textured music with "Ballet For A Marsh" which offers a more complex structure and to be honest a more solid prog approach.

Somewhat in between, the pleasant "Brunch In The Sun" which is quite a nice moment of music. Light, symphonic and vaguely jazzy?

As most EP's, this one is absolutely not essential. Not at all representative of what the band is able to produce. Just an hors d'oeuvre awaiting the next album I guess ("As The World" ? that will only see the light two years later).

As such, two stars are a maximum rating. The production of "Blue & Sand" sounds pretty awkward and loose. You'd better pass your way?