SUFFOCATING THE BLOOM

ECHOLYN's second album is where I probably should have started with them instead of "As The World" which I couldn't get into. No orchestral sections here like on "As The World" and it's a shorter album than that one too. I don't know but this one hits the spot and that's all that matters isn't it ? This is powerful with a GENTLE GIANT flavour, and the clever lyrics are like the cherry on top if you know what I mean.

"21" kicks in quickly and the guitar is prominant. Vocals before 2 minues. It settles 4 minutes in before kicking in again. "Winterthru" opens with samples. The lyrics and therefore lyrics are the focus here and both are excellent. I really like the dreamy chorus too. "Memoirs From Between" is another amazing song. So touching. Piano and reserved vocals to start. Acoustic guitar and synths follow. I like the vocal arrangements 4 minutes in then it kicks into gear. Great sound. The tempo continues to shift. Love the repeated words "Set a course up ahead straight into heaven". The next track is the short "Reaping The Harvest" where strings lead the way. "In Every Garden" opens with multi-vocals then the music kicks in. The bass,drums and keyboards are killer. Vocals are back. Powerful sound before 4 minutes as he shouts "Suffocating the bloom !"

"A Little Nonsense" sounds so good instrumentally to start then the vocals take the spotlight. Both shine in this one. "The Sentimental Chain" features flute, acoustic guitar and violin as it blends into "One Voice" where reserved vocals join in. Strings follow. Guitar and drums after 3 minutes then it settles again until later. "Here I Am" has this powerful intro then vocal melodies before a minute. Nice chunky bass follows then vocals. Great song. "Cactapus" is a laid back instrumental. It's a beautiful tune. Some tasteful guitar after a minute too. Next up is the over 28 minute "A Suite For The Everyman" which deals with the "loss of innocence and idealism". It's broken down into 11 tracks and many are very short pieces. "Only Twelve" opens with mournful strings then it builds. "A Cautious Repose" is a pleasant, feel good track. It's fuller before 2 minutes. "Bearing Down" has such a good sound to it with the drums, vocals and chunky bass. "Cash Flow Shuffle" is less than a minute of fantastic instrumental music. "Mr.Oxy Moron" has some attitude early. It settles after a minute and sounds even better. It kicks back in late. Killer track ! "Twelve's Enough" is simply gorgeous then synths and drums join in. Guitar leads late. "I Am The Tide" has these pulsating sounds as reserved vocals join in. "Cannoning In B Major" features marching style drums and cheering. "Picture Perfect" opens with guitar, bass and drums that get aggressive. "Those That Want To Buy" puts the focus on the vocals although the bass is fat. Some GENESIS-like synths before 3 minutes. "Suffocating The Bloom" ends the suite in a beautiful way. Acoustic guitar and vocals lead. Some piano and strings too later on.

This is just too good to give anything less than 4 stars. I'm impressed.