ETERNAL MOVEMENT

Instrumental albums often receive quite a bit of flack for lacking in emotion or even meaning. I have to say that I often agree with this sentiment, yet I do not think Tides from Nebula's compositions fall into this dreary description. The guys are soon releasing their next album called "Eternal Movement", and I feel that they have expertly titled this release with the word "movement", as this is a very adept description for this album.

Tides from Nebula is a post-metal band, though I'd say that they exhibit post-rock tendencies more readily. They are somewhat similar to If These Trees Could Talk, or maybe vice versa. Either way, Tides from Nebula features a great mixture of post-rock ambiance, mood, and atmosphere plus the technical fireworks reserved for the metal genres. I find that this combination creates music that is moody and meaningful, but not boring.

So, these guys certainly know how to play. Their music is almost fragile in a way, as the high- tuned guitars that they use play vulnerable, soulful leads and solos that weave in and out of the other instruments. The atmosphere soars and is very light., unlike with other post-metal bands that usually have dense, asthmatic atmospheres. On top of this, an impressive rhythm section provides the perfect foundation for the emotional guitar noodling. Awesome, powerful drumming combines with crisp bass work, and in the end supplements the delicious lead guitar. Light, airy, and very controlled; the music moves along at break-neck pace, but still provides a certain serenity and peacefulness. It creates a mood in your mind wherein you just let the music flow. You just let it move through you. Yes, movement is a perfect title. It fluxes. It waxes and wanes. It flows like liquid tranquility. It reaches those dormant parts of your brain, and washes them clean.

For my money, "Hollow Lights" and "Up From Eden" are the best tracks here. "Hollow Lights" has a certain driving rhythm that mixes so well with the ascending guitar work. It's addictive. "Up From Eden", however, feels like a lament that calls to our hearts. Overall, I'm very impressive with this outing from Tides from Nebula, and I highly recommend it to anyone that loves instrumental, emotional music.