CHOIRS OF THE EYE

Kayo Dot: An intriguing band name which leads way to even more intriguing music, founded by ex-maudlin of the Well front man Toby Driver, Kayo Dot is--in their basest form--the evolution of this band. For the record, and before I go on, I will say that Kayo Dot's music is not exactly easy--if fact they are one of the most progressive modern bands I can think of--in terms of forward thinking as well as in terms of scope, writing, and evolution in sound (listen back to some Maudlin, then give this album a test and you should hear some pretty effective differences). Kayo Dot is, on this album at the very least, an Avant-Garde metal act comprised of many members, and their music shines with layers of intensity in different aspects--lots of experimentation, and more atmosphere than the galaxy itself can hold; this album has effectively become one of my favorite of all time. Call it what you will, and whether you like it, love it, or despise it; their unique style of music is one that I have heard little of anywhere else, and is also one that will undoubtedly define them as a band.

Now, the music:

Choirs of the Eye is comprised of only 5 long tracks--and when I say long, I mean long, with all but one clocking in at over 10 minutes; however, there is nothing within them that is not to be loved and absorbed. The album opener, "Marathon", catches your attention immediately with it's apocalyptic sounds and dissonant chords. This then builds into epic, heavy cacophony that leaves off with the first instance of amazing atmospheric sojourns on this album. It all works incredibly well and establishes a wonderful mood that's used throughout the album. That's basically their style on this release, truthfully--and while it may sound overly simplistic and not at all progressive, rest assured that it is. It just all pulls together cohesively, and their chord uses and songwriting choices are far from the norm. Indeed, Kayo Dot may be the most inventive users of dissonance I've ever heard...their chords are thick, and always sound dense and fully layered--likely because there are something near three people playing the chord simultaneously at any given time.

Each song is it's own minimal masterpiece, and when combined we are left with nothing but a gaping face thinking: this is what music is. We live for moments like the climax in A Pitcher of Summer or the spacey sounds used in The Manifold Curiosity. It all just clicked on this release--and it's something that you won't tire of as quickly as with other bands--it is music that develops inside of you, slowly planting its roots, just as it tangibly does.

In the end, Choirs of the Eye is, hands down--in my book, a masterpiece. The wide array of sounds present here keep me occupied and emotionally absorbed throughout--a huge feat, considering this album's slow pace and hour-long length.

So, in conclusion, I will say: anyone on this site who likes post-rock, apocalyptic, and extremely heavy metal such as Isis and Pelican--you should find something to love here. If you're more into spacey noodling of any sort, the avant-garde, or just has a desire to hear something new and peculiar--you are also at home here. Every living person deserves to give this album a chance, for it embodies what music is all about: a visceral, soulful, emotionally draining experience--all in a climatic and resounding way. You may not get into them on first listen or even the second third fourth....etc. But give them a chance, for it is well worth it, and there is lots to love in Kayo Dot, if only proper time is involved. After all, art can/should (at times) be challenging correct?

Hands down, 5 stars.

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