THE RED GIANT STIRS

They say everything in music has been done before. Has this? This two track single is longer than the original 4-track album. As Spiral explains "The Traveler" was originally conceived to have three long tracks, one by each band member. When one member left the band Chris and Aaron extended their remaining pieces big time. However they changed their minds and edited the long pieces down, then wrote two more songs for the version of The Traveler as released. This single is designed to give a taste of the original concept for The Traveler. The glorious "uncut" versions presented here have "The Red Giant Stirs" clocking in at 40 minutes and "The Caves of Anamnesis" logging over 30 minutes.

"We were going to leave it (The Traveler) at that but people were constantly curious about the long versions of the songs, so we caved to pressure. Here they are, the original epic length versions complete with full length solos, jam sections, and the full length ambient piece for 'The Red Giant Stirs'. We know this release is self-indulgent and a little pretentious, but we figured what the hell, if people want to hear it, why not let them." -Spiral

It was a great call to release this. These already formidable songs which exude feelings of loneliness and isolation are augmented with extended ambient sections, longer solos, more time for everything to wash over you. It's the kind of release that is a journey so don't rush this. Practice active listening here. The heavy jam band vibes seemingly go on forever which is kinda the point as you are supposed to feel that sense of what Rip is going through. I love the spooky vocal section in Anamnesis and the new opening of Red Giant. I would probably recommend the standard version of Traveler first as the two extra tracks are also good, but if you like that album you really need to hear this one too. I never go over three stars for singles but I have to say this one is really special and we'll call it 3 1/2 stars. An alternate exploration in the storyline of Rip and Anomaly, a chance to hear a band's original vision alongside their final product. Pretty cool stuff!

Share this SPIRAL review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Finnforest
• Report this review (#768511)
• Buy SPIRAL music online with PA partners
• Show all SPIRAL MP3/Stream
• Go to SPIRAL page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to The Red Giant Stirs page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for SPIRAL related discussions