THIS GREY EARTH / MARK THE DAY

While fans of Melbourne's post-rock band Laura were waiting with anticipation for the new album "Twelve Hundred Times," they were treated to a double-A single, both tracks later appearing on the album. "Twelve Hundred Times" is a superb piece of work (see my review on this site), in my opinion eclipsing their acclaimed 2006 breakthrough "Radio Swan is Down."

"This Grey Earth" begins in full throttle, full volume mode with ferocious drums/bass and massive guitar squall. This attack mode trades off with a quieter space for a mellow vocal verse. Perhaps one of the album's more conventional tracks it is still a good single showing off the heavier personality of the work. "Mark the Day" was a much more interesting song to me, beginning with a smoky trip-hop feel in the percussion and bass line, with airy synth in the background. Soaring yet sad vocals commence with lovely strings and brief, soft guitar chords. The finale builds with barely contained, overdriven electric guitar trying to break through the clouds. While no doubt a fantastic teaser there is now no reason not to move right on to the complete album, which is one of the post-rock highlights of 2011.