BEGINNING / RELIEVE

If Seven Impale are anything, they are eclectic. That much is for sure. This Norwegian band starts their debut album "Beginning/Relieve" with some very odd grooves, and they don't stop until the end of the album. It's a welcome change of pace, as we are treated to some solid music here that borders on ridiculous somehow. All the while, however, the band makes it work. Sometimes, I'm not even sure how.

I particularly enjoyed two things. First, the singer has a unique, higher-pitched voice that makes the most of the strange chord progressions. It takes some effort; but, once you get it, the music just feels right. I also enjoyed the incredible saxophone. Sax has never been my favorite instrument, but I've been loving it lately. The last half of this album has much saxophone, and it even drives the songs sometimes---highly impressive.

With that said, this isn't an album I will listen to for years to come or anything like that. The music is solid, but misses the mark often. This band, however, has potential and some great ideas, and I know we'll see more of them. Give this album a shot by all means.