CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Echo Us
Album: The Tide Decides (2009 Musea)
Tracks: 10
Artist website: http://www.echous.net
OVERVIEW
Echo Us is the brainchild of Ethan Matthews. When Ethan and I were at Berklee, I remember thinking to myself that this band name was one of the most perfect names for a project, and I always wished I had thought of it.
This is one of the most wonderful musical journeys that I have ever been taken on. The music is complex on many levels, yet it is not complex in the sense that it would put off a casual listener. What adds to the complexity is the sheer simplicity at first listen. The music is not trying to cram a lot of stuff in a small space.
I would say that this is a progressive rock record, but it isn’t a completely correct label. It wouldn’t be completely correct to call this avant-garde either. It is a concept album. There is a story that is woven through the whole album. There are times when the music is like King Crimson or Genesis and at other times it is a world music album and in a few places it gets heavy.
These are compositions, not songs. Anyone expecting a catchy singalong chorus should look elsewhere. However, if you are a true fan of music and can spare an hour to be completely encapsulated by this work, you will understand what all of this is about.
Everything is well thought out and arranged. One can tell that there was a master plan in the making of this opus. Just close your eyes and surrender to the music. If you try to analyze it, you will be lost.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Nothing in particular and everything in particular.
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – From Snow To Sea …
Very interesting.
Track 2 – We Surfaced
I closed my eyes and just let the music take me to where it wanted me to go.
Track 3 – Trans-Atlantic
This reminds me of some artistic electronic pop from the late 80’s. (This is not meant as insult.) It reminds me of some of the stuff Peter Gabriel did. (Don’t ask me why.)
Track 4 – State Of Expectation
As I was listening to this I was really wishing there was a visual representation for me to follow along. I would really love to see the characters in action. It reminds me in spots of Bejamin Britten’s Curlew River.
Track 5 – The Tide Decides
Again, this reminds me of Peter Gabriel.
Track 6 – Fantastic Elevation
This is really cool. It is kinda Peter Gabriel meets Arjen Lucassen.
Track 7 – Descending From The Dream
Lot’s stuff going on here.
Track 8 – Shooting Scenes
This one’s kind of like a electronica song in spots.
Track 9 – Out At The Edge Of The World
Sparse. Very mellow. Almost meditational.
Track 10 – … And Sea To Sky (Bon Voyage)
This one is the longest track on the album and goes through so many themes and changes. It wraps up the story and sets the listener free.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Thank you Ethan for sending this in! We really appreciate it!