MUST YOU SMASH YOUR EARS BEFORE YOU LEARN TO LISTEN WITH YOUR EYES

Joy Wants Eternity are a post-rock band from the United States which was formed in 2003 and so far have released only an EP and a studio album. The first one (which I am reviewing) saw the light in 2005 and is entitled "Must You Smash Your Ears Before You Learn To Listen With Your Eyes", that's quite a name. It is composed by six songs which make a total time of 34 minutes approximately, so it could have actually been an studio album.

Some years ago I discovered this band through last.fm, it appeared as a recommendation and then I saw their music could be listened free, and though I don't really listen to them frequently, I give them a spin every once in a while. It is surprising that nobody has reviewed them so far here in PA, so I'll add my grain of sand.

The first track is "For We Had No Road" starts silently, with a soft and delicate guitar sound which little by little is progressing. Seconds later drums appear and keyboards too. The sound is repetitive but at the same time addictive, that's essential on the post rock bands. Three minutes later it progresses and becomes stronger. Nice opener song!

"Abide Moment" follows the same structure, it softly begins with nice guitars and drums and little by little it is progressing while the other instruments join. The sound in moments may be compared with Explosions in the Sky, I believe they inspired them in some way. This song (and actually all Joy's music) can be better appreciated with good headphones, due to the richness of sounds and atmospheres created.

"H.L. Mencken" was entitled after the name of this American writer, and I believe this is sort of homage to him, I don't really know. It starts with some noises and spoken word. During the three minutes of length this track offers some soundscapes and that voice here and there, nothing more. "Of Dead Loves and Wining Perfume" is more elaborated and complex. Though it keeps that soft sound, one can appreciate it is not a fast-food composition, but something that took its time and gave a nice piece of music as a result. The atmosphere created by keyboards always helps the beauty of guitars and drums, so they create a strong and wonderful composition. Now, if we talk about ambitious compositions, what a better example than "What Fell down from the Moon Last Night" which is a nine-minute epic that shows the band's talent to divide a single piece into several without making it evident, the changes in both mood and time can make several things to you, if you allow it, I mean, music is powerful in every sense. And finally, the shortest song. "Untitled" with only a bit more than a minute of soft post-rock music. The epilogue of this album.

Joy Wants Eternity may not be the most original band, but they do have talent and nice music to share. And if it is for free, please listen to them. My final grade will be three stars.

Enjoy it!

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