ONE EYE ON THE SUNRISE

NINE STONES CLOSE continue with the same style as was heard on their previous album "Traces". This is melancholic and atmospheric with those Mark Hollis-like vocals that sing about loss and hope. It's interesting that we get KNIGHT AREA's drummer on board for this one.

"Faceless Angel" is a short opening track with samples and piano leading the way early then it builds to a majestic sound. "A Secret" is mellow with those reserved vocals joining in. It does build on the chorus each time. I like the deep atmosphere after 2 1/2 minutes and the emotional guitar solo that follows. "Janus" opens with electronics and atmosphere then the guitar and drums start to take over. It settles back with piano only after 2 1/2 minutes then the guitar and drums return on this instrumental. "...And Dream Of Sleep" is less than 2 minutes of relaxed music including plenty of acoustic guitar. "One Eye On The Sunrise" opens with intricate guitar melodies as the vocals join in. Strings and piano help out as well. It kicks in just before 3 minutes to a surprisingly heavy soundscape with passionate vocals. Contrasts continue.

"Eos" is a short track with vocals. Once again it's melancholic and mellow. "The Weight" is atmospheric until about 2 minutes in when it picks up some with vocals. Contrasts continue. "The Distance" sounds good with that intricate opening guitar. Vocals join in then the guitar is strummed. The intricate guitar is back as these contrasts continue. I like the piano after 3 minutes. "Frozen Moment" opens with aggressive guitar as the sound builds. This is surprising. By the way this is the longest track at over 13 1/2 minutes. It settles back with vocals before a minute. Nice drum work after 8 1/2 minutes as it picks up again. Best song on the album in my opinion. "Sunset" is the short 1 1/2 minute closer. Piano and violin lead the way.

Unlike most I prefer "Traces" to this one. This just hasn't clicked with me and in fact has done the opposite over time. Good record though.