SLOW RIOT FOR NEW ZERO KANADA E.P.

Engulfing silence, slowly giving way to a most delicate of whispered instrumental hums, and with precision, sensitivity, and emotional power, the perpetual stream's tide rises in force. Not only is that an adequate description of the first track, Moya, but it is also a valid overview of the entire experience of Slow Riot for New Zero Kanada. This EP is not only an incredibly analog and organic series of sounds, but it is a staggeringly moving piece of music.

Like a well thought-out novel, so perfectly serenely it builds, until the direction of the plot is clear, and upwards they soar. Perfectly do they travel along the crescendo, until the burning climax gives rest. Slow Riot comes with, as always, spoken word for an extra psychedelic, and yet meaningful edge. At no time do the musicians pretentiously exercise their individual instrumental skill, but instead, they work towards a more symphonic, collective sound. All nine musicians come together wonderfully to create a single living noise, evolving and round.

With such imagery as ever a musical experience has bestowed, and more than its share of otherworldly and surreal atmospheres, Slow Riot is now among my favourite EPs. Though arguably less haunting than other Godspeed You! releases, Slow Riot is a shifting sea of sound, more than a static, flat album. It's no doubt that this coherent, vivid, frank, and emotionally clinging album is a gem. My only complaint is that the section of spoken word sometimes takes away from the music, and I wouldn't mind if it were cut completely from the final product.