There is really some cool alternative rock built into this EP. The set has a nice range and never feels tired or redundant. These guys know how to keep things varied in terms of tone, tempo and mood. That's a lost art lately. It's good to know there are still practitioners who are accomplished at it.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2016 Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
Ballad of Everything
There is a cool alternative rock vibe to this. It actually lands near prog rock in some ways. The contrast between mellower and more rocking stuff is nice. Some of the vocals are a bit awkward, but overall this is a strong tune. There is a symphonic break down later that's particularly cool.
Breakthrough
Piano is the dominant instrument as this begins. It works to a more typical alternative rock vibe for a few measures, but then drops back to just piano and voice. The cut evolves with a pretty mainstream alternative rock arrangement. The vocals here work much better. This is a very effective cut.
Miracle Sound In a lot of ways this feels like 1980s New Wave stuff to me. Still, it's modern alternative rock overall. This is a solid tune that works very well.
Night & Day This is a classy cut. It has one of the most dynamic arrangements here. It's another with hints of prog. There are definitely some jazzy elements. It's almost like jam band meets modern alternative rock overall, though. It's one of the best things here for sure. It's high energy and creative.
Remember To Forget
There some strings on this cut. It's another cool alternative rocker that works pretty well. It makes for a nice closing piece because it really feels like it wraps things up.
