AND EVERY BLOSSOM

This is a very interesting EP from this american band. it´s totally opposed to their more overtly complex arangements and playing. In short, Echolyn is really capable of doing something simple, acoustic and straightforward. Although my knowlledge of the group is quite limited (I´ve listened to just one CD until recently), I was not very fond of their sound on As The World. The reason is onlly one: they were complex for complexity´s sake. Unlike their obvious heroes and main inspiration, early to mid-70´s Gentle Giant, Echolyn seemed unable to use their tremendous technique and talent for the music itself. GG always knew how to balance things around and while their sound was very elaborated they also knew how to write melodic and catchy stuff.

And Every Blossom is something of their lighter side that I did not know of. It´s very acoustic, very melodic, very bright and... yes, simple. And I liked it. It´s a totally different approach (even sounding like another band completely) and I hope next time I hear one of their new releases they´ll handle both sides and make it more palatable. dosing between the extreme complexity of their former sound with the simpleness needed so often. Then they´ll be closer to their idols and maybe they´ll make it big (at least in the prog world).