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Ordinarily, I'm not supposed to give a full review to short
albums and EP's, but man, Alkali Flats' EP Outen the
Light is just that good that I have let everyone know. There
is nothing definitively special about this record, no brilliantly
clever songwriting, no especially witty lyrics, no insane musical
abilities, yet it is just excellent music. They excel at the
simple, and focus on the vibe surrounding the main lines and
carry it through to a near perfect final product.
"The Visitor" moves with a nice rhythm, and an almost
whimsical, but nonetheless, memorable vocal line. "In This
Town" is a laid back, bass-driven masterpiece that you can't
help but nod your head to. The guitar lines alternate from mere
distraction filler to full presence, followed by a sweet lead
line. "Queen for a Day" should be a monotonous song
with its repetitive guitar lines, reminiscent of Lungfish,
but the exquisite vocal line pulls the song higher, and lets into
a subtle backing for greater emphasis. "No Cylinders are
Firing" is probably my least favorite song on the album,
but it still grabs my attention every time with its basic changes
and movement. And for a least favorite album song, it is heads
above other songs out there on the radio. "Close Enough"
is a hauntingly perfect end to this brilliant album. The vocals
and bass lead the listener into a state of nirvana, and it makes
me wish the song would never end.
The production is awesome for this short piece of work; the
give and take of instruments is so subtle and genius as to make
me cry. I always appreciate it when one specific instrument
or another does not drive the album; rather the songs are approached
individually as to what best compliments the overall feel. Alkali
Flats has perfected this and other bands could learn a thing
or two from them.
The piano deserves a special mention because of how it appears
on the album. It is barely there, but with good reason; the lines
it plays are meant for the background with nothing essential to
it being in the forefront. Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing
wrong with the piano lines or quality of the musician, I am actually
giving them a compliment. The lines don't dominate and moreover
sacrifice for the whole to create a better song. That's just excellent
usage, and should be applauded.
I am in awe of how simple yet moving this album is. It is the
unassuming nature of this record that will earn it time in my
CD player, and moreover, it is an album I will cherish for years
to come.
-bishop
Track listing:
1) The Visitor
2) In This Town
3) Queen for a Day
4) No Cylinders are Firing
5) Close Enough
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