This sampler mini album is the musical equivalent of a bag of Revels, you dont really know what youre going get from one song to the next but it is rather enjoyable all the same, unless you get a coffee one. Wait, that part of the analogy doesnt work but you get the general drift.
Opening song Long Tooth Setting Sun starts off as if they were going to make an epic song then turns into a rather normal but quite decent song. The guitars and rhythm section all know what theyre doing and the music is solid but nothing original. Anyhow the vocal harmonies draw you in, particularly the lead vocal which is a strong one, filled with emotion. Bus Now is just a very strange song, lacking any real fluidity and the lyrics distract from any real pace gathered by the song. Cables In The Sun starts off in a similar vein to the opening track and promises to annoy but after a shaky opening the song turns into a juggernaut, the harmonies fall into place and the music is fantastically set up and performed, especially the guitar and drums that lead you fantastically into the wonderful finale. Waiting For The End is a mix of good and bad, overly reliant of echo effects to make the guitar sound more otherworldly but when they tone it down it is as effective a piece of music as you could wish to hear. Picture Show is a great song, simple as. Everything that is good about this band comes together here. English Line is as poor and flat as the previous song is good and the album finale Death Of A General is back to the best again, a haunting piece of music with a beautiful vocal that, coupled with the intense acoustics, leaves you on an eerie and (thankfully) high note.
So this band sure know how to put you through the wringer. The good wins out over the bad but the sad thing is if they could replicate the good, it would be marvellous. Still, beats the hell outta most of the opposition.