Note: This is my first review in a while. Let’s see how it goes down. I have a rating system from 1-10, and I form the score based on indiviual song rating, which I average together to get a score. I figure it’s the best way to get as accurate of a score as possible.
Glass Vaults. What to say, what to say. Well, I can honestly say that they are one of the most talented young bands that I have come across since running this blog. Many bands impress me sure, but there is something about the Wellington, New Zealand band that I’ve taken an extreme liking to.
The just released their debut EP, Glass, on local Wellington record label Sonorous Circle. The EP consists of 5 powerful songs that paint a emotive landscape of New Zealand. The songs have a dreamy element to them that bring to mind the barren landscape ambiance of Sigur Rós. They also share the electronic prowess of M83, and the experimental creativity of Animal Collective that I dare call avant garde.
“They Will Grow”, the EP’s opener, taps into your soul. If you listen hard enough, you just may be able to taste the fresh New Zealand air. Things take off further into flight on the 7 minute epic “Set Sail”, taking you through a journey of self reflection. Try to tell me that you can’t hear the genius of M83 floating around.
“New Space” hits on sonic experimentation and tropical drums that would Animal Collective proud (one could swear to hear an Avery Tare shout during the songs beginning) . It tickles the mind to a drug filled state that you wouldn’t mind be stuck in for a few hours.
“Worrier” is song that would have fit quite nicely on Yeasayer’s debut album. The band formulates the tempo to draw out feelings of longing and return, with great effect. When he pleads you not to go, you beg along with him.
Glass Vaults cover a lot of different sounds and genres within this EP, and the culmination of all these sounds is the EP’s final track, and finest moment, “Forget Me Not”. With vocal harmonies that are ready to sweep the stiffest man off his feat, it’s a hard pressed not too be taken away by the washed out sounds that infiltrate the song. When the electronic effects tickle away into silence, you have no choice but to hit replay.
This is an EP crafted with careful hands that have created some of the most tender musical moments in 2010. Listening to these songs brought out distinct feelings on longing, regret, and passion from my life. It made me feel something, which is a true indicator of a powerful record. This is one of the finest EP’s of recent memory. I can’t wait to see what other beauty they unleash with a full length.
Rating: 9.0
Guess what, you can download the whole EP for free at their bandcamp. You got nothing to loose. Give it a try below, with two cuts from the album:
[mp3]: Glass Vaults – Forget Me Not
[mp3]: Glass Vaults – Set Sail
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