THE PRETTY LITTLE LIGHTNING PAW E.P.

Not a bad EP but not one without flaws. The first track is the most interesting. Don't let the giddy yells put you off because when it gets going there is some really nice music here. This is a lot more guitar based than any of the other works i have heard by A Silver Mt Zion. This track uses multi-layered sounds and uplifting moods to it's advantage and is probably the best and noisiest offering on this EP.

"Microphones in the Trees" has some amazing bass work in it but the vocals are pretty much inaudible. This track has some good stuff but I often end up losing interest after a while as it can get a bit repetitive. However it does have a rather beautiful climax which is worth hearing. Perhaps this track is a bit too long but overall it is a great track, very patience demanding.

The title track is the longest offering on this EP. Offering some similar sounds and structures. Another flaw with this track is that it can often fall flat and become boring. I know that post rock is demanding and requires a lot of patience but I find less to keep me pulled in with the lengthier tracks on this EP.

The final track is a promising departure, showing off a very dark and gloomy mood. The majority of this track goes for quite a minimalist approach but builds up rather nicely. "The Pretty Little Lightning Paw" EP is overall quite a puzzling release. It is unclear why the band haven't decided to expand on this and make it a full length album. This EP is rather unique, showing off a whole new side to A Silver Mt Zion's music, which is why they went under a different name (Thee Silver Mountain Reveries). Overall it is quite confusing why this EP was made the way it was. It is also unclear whether Thee Silver Mountain Reveries was just a one off experiment or if they will go furthur to make more releases but for the bands newest album they converted back to A Silver Mt Zion.

This EP is not for everyone. I would suggest starting with one of the full length albums. The music here is not bad, yet not the best works I have heard from this band. Approach with caution.