THE WIND, THE TREES AND THE SHADOWS OF THE PAST

If you're a fan of Agalloch I strongly encourage you to invest in album, if you can classify a free album as an investment that is. This should appeal especially to those who enjoyed Agalloch's Ashes Against The Grain or anyone who shares an appreciation for a refreshing mixtures of folky prog-metal and post-rock.

In their heavy moments they greatly resemble Agalloch with a more exciting and impressive rhythm section. The lead guitar work especially reminds me of Ashes Against The Grain. In the softer folksier moments they tend to remind me of Opeth's acoustic interludes. Vocally, again I invoke the name of Agalloch as the singing sounds like a wonderful mix of Agalloch and Children Of Bodom. Those unwaveringly opposed to growling vocals will find little consolation here, but it should be said that I could not imagine the album being sung any other way. To say they fit the mood would be an understatement. The Morningside achieve an amazing symbiotic relationship between the vocals and the music.

Much like Agalloch also the album has a very woodsy, outdoor feel. Although aided by the inclusion of environmental sounds such as howling wind and rainstorms into the music, this is not where I gather this observation. An overgrown wooden environment clearly develops in your head while listening to this album. They say not to judge a book by its cover, but here that cliché certainly does not apply. In fact, taking a look at the album art will speak much more about the album than I can. Glance at the cover art, that's what the album sounds like.

I've mention Agalloch far too many times in this review. It serves as a splendid method of comparison but I don't want to overplay the similarities. They do certainly exist, but The Morningside certainly forge their own sound. The Wind, The Tree, and The Shadows of The Past really impressed me, especially as a debut from an unknown artist. There are very few flaws here. This is one of the best of 2007. Pick it up; it's free.