It's
difficult to know where to start when reviewing this utterly unique (at least in
2013) album from Edison's Children. Their sophomore album, "The Final Breath
Before November", is both atmospheric and focused. It's eerie, yet strangely
beautiful. It leaves a shadow over your mind, but somehow feels clear and clean,
too.
Edison's
Children wowed the prog community back in 2011 with a stunning debut album.
Their sophomore effort, however, disappoints by no means. Their Floydian
atmospheres mix perfectly with their efforts at eclecticism, both in instrument
choice and structure. Honestly, I was quite impressed from beginning to end,
even though this is a lengthy album, including a final multi-track song that is
over an hour long. Is all of this a problem? No! It doesn't bring the album down
at all.
This, my
friends, is interesting music. I said earlier that it is quite atmospheric. Yes,
much of the album is very mellow and drenched in personality and aura. It
contains layers and layers of sound and melody that will send shivers down any
prog fan's spine. However, the band knows how to structure an album expertly,
too. After a few shorter, foundational tracks; the band delves right into their
"epic" without any hesitation. It is grand. It is synthy. And it is elegant.
Yes, that's the word. This album is elegant in a dark and channeled fashion.
This
album features amazing guitars that are meaningful. That's one of the first
impressions I had. The solos especially are incredibly well-composed and full of
soul. However, my favorite part of this album is the presence of synth. This
adds a delicious contrast to the classic vibe of the guitar with its fluid
strength and its quirky, addictive tone. Solos abound, too, of which I'm a huge
fan. "The Final Breath of November" also features one of my favorite drummers,
Henry Rogers of Touchstone and DeeExpus. His mix of technicality, melodic
support, and amazing fills is so very welcome on this album, and he serves as
yet another layer of sound that stands out on its own. "Silence Can Be
Deafening, Part II" is especially indicative of Rogers' skill as he opens the
throttle wide at the end. Imagine this, melody + haunting atmosphere + expert
drumming. It's a combination I really can't resist, and it's what you will
experience along the journey that is this album.
The
creepy themes are somewhat put on the backburner, honestly, as most of the album
is instrumental. However, we do get ideas of metamorphosis and the like. It's
almost scary, but more like intriguing and mysterious. This ingenious album
readily deserves the praise it has gotten, and is definitely a keeper from 2013.
Arcing, masterfully crafted, and proggy to its core; Edison's Children's "The
Final Breath Before November" is a winner.
