Well, this is my quick and dirty first impression, with a more thorough review to follow.
The first thing that strikes me about this CD is the production - the vocals very prominant in the mix, with lots of phasing and other effects - it's really growing on me... very slick, gives it a really unique quality that previous albums didn't have.
I absolutely adore the cover of 'Rose for Emily', an already quirky song that lends itself well to the treatment given to it.
I'm finding myself enjoying the ballads just as much as the 'proggier' peices... but what is just uncanny is how many 'nods' there are musically to songs from previous albums, especially Perelandria and On To Evermore. Seeing as a lot of people hearing this album might not have ever heard them, it's certainly not something bad at all.
Fred, Steve - I'm not sure if it was intentional, but this album, paired with the performance at 3RP this past summer really seems like you guys were trying to revisit some of the simplicity in songs that got lost after say... Shadowlands?
I did notice just a couple.. different? moments with the percussion... some cymbal hits that seemed to be 'stopping' early right before another cymbal hit - not a criticism, and maybe just because y'all explained how they were done my ears are listening for something that gives them away... anyhoo, back to the music...
I love the heavy use of electric piano and the greater return of keyboard as a large part of the music, I really missed it in CoA. I still get chills at the beginning of 'A Bitter Wind' when the Mellotron comes in.
The Curse They Weave... wow! Very industrial and electronic. I was suprised at how much I liked this track - it's something I'd expect to hear from something like Nightwish mixed with Porcupine Tree. Vocals deserve special mention on this song.
On Sun Down Shores, it was so nice to hear vocals from Steve and Fred (not that there's anything wrong with Susie, for sure!)... I love your voices guys, and you should sing way more! Again, lots of old influences in this song that I'm loving.
Schrodinger's Lament... I don't even know where to start with this one! lol it needs a couple more listens I think...
It definately has some really fantastic instrumental work in the latter parts.Hyperbole - More of this great new sound - not 'pop' by any means, but a more accessable sound... its really hard to give it a name, or even bands that sound like it.... Its kinda early 90's without the cheezyness or roto-toms? Ahhhhh but finally some really blazing synth work! I missed you analog waveforms! lol
I completely admit to crying (jus a lil) the first time I listened to 'Falling'. This is a rediculously beautiful song Fred. It reminds me a WHOLE bunch of the first half of 'Heaven' but with this bittersweet emotion running through it. Thanks for singing it too... your vocals are perfect here.
So... overall? I need a bunch more listens to render final judgement, but I am so far liking this album much more than I had Culture of Ascent... less 'noodly' guitar... more keys... more vocals.
I truly am thankful to know you guys, and am in awe of the gifts you've been given.
I hope this album is well received by everyone that hears it, and if they dont like it... well... who cares! It's clearly something that meant a lot to you all.
