BORN INTO TROUBLE AS THE SPARKS FLY UPWARDS

Thanks to Useful Idiot for giving me this album for it is definetly a masterpiece of progressive post rock. This one is definetly up there with "F#A#oo", "Agaetis Bryjun" and "Lift Yr Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven" on my list. This is definetly a landmark and defining post rock album.

The similarities to founding band GYBE! aren't exactly subtle, but there also unique aspects to this band too. This album consists of beautiful organic sounds made by a lush array of rock and orchestral instruments to make a winning combo. This album succeeds in creating lengthy, moody and uplifting compositions (mostly instrumental) that have amazing build ups and are certainly progressive. I have always seen ASMZ as being a weaker band than GYBE but they have many redeeming qualities. ASMZ are a lot more digestable on this album. There are lengthy compositions but they are definitely less demanding, although some patience and perhaps 2 or 3 spins are required for this album to click.

This album almost plays like one giant suite. The tracks seem to flow into each other remarkably well and it wouldn't be such a rare thing as their founding band often made lengthy suites.The standout tracks on this album are tracks 1, 3, 4 and 6 for showing off the true power of each musician working together to build up epic atmoshpheric and uplifting pieces of music. There is plenty of power and emotion to be found on this album. The other tracks add different moods and tones to the album. This certainly is a masterpiece which is proved by its ability to make totally out there music, yet being able to make it seem addictive, tolerable and listenable. While at times this, like all post rock, can be a challenge, the rewards after each listen are well worth the effort.