CHOIRS OF THE EYE

The contrasting of heavy and light, the chaotic with the pastoral is not new, but KAYO DOT does it in a unique and refreshing way. I'm probably one of the few who listened to "Blue Lambecy Downwards" first then "Choirs Of The Eye". And while I liked what Toby did on his latest record, it's that contrast of styles on "Choirs Of The Eye" that makes it stand head and shoulders above it. That's a simplified analysis I know but "Choirs Of The Eye" is so dynamic and so full of surprises. It's one of those albums that is very pleasing whether it's during the atmospheric passages or the powerful sections.Very cool to see that John Zorn was the excecutive producer on this album.

"Marathon" opens with heavy outbursts that come and go then it settles as gentle trombone with acoustic guitar takes over. Flute comes in. Lots of atmosphere here. It kicks back in heavily 2 1/2 minutes in with growly vocals that are buried deep in the powerful sound.This is intense and chaotic. It settles again before 5 minutes with keys. Great dreamy sound 6 1/2 minutes in that continues as spoken words arrive after 9 minutes.This song contrasts beauty and brutality very well. "A Pitcher Of Summer" opens with acoustic guitars and vocals after a minute with a beat.The tempo shifts back and forth. It almost poppy before it turns heavy after 2 1/2 minutes. Great section ! A calm 3 1/2 minutes in is blown away before 4 minutes. "The Manifold Curiosity" is heavy but not overly so. Clarinet joins in. Acoustic guitar after 1 1/2 minutes. Spoken words after 2 minutes. It kicks in with horns before 5 minutes. Settles after 7 minutes and spoken words come in. Violin 8 1/2 minutes in. Here we go again 10 1/2 minutes in ! Vocals follow and are screaming but again they're fighting to be heard in the powerful sound. Big finish.

"Wayfarer" opens with gentle guitars before violin joins in. Female vocals before 2 minutes. It's building 4 minutes in. Great passage ! It settles 5 1/2 minutes in with spoken words. A change 6 minutes in as it becomes atmospheric with this dark undercurrent. Vocals join in. It kicks in after 8 minutes with some ripping guitar. Nice. Then it calms right down as female vocals return. "The Antique" opens with guitar sounds that come and go. It's getting heavier 3 1/2 minutes in and building. Growly vocals after 7 minutes fight to be heard. The guitar then lights it up. Intense 8 1/2 minutes in then it relaxes briefly. It does settle down before 10 minutes as keys then trumpet come in. Vocals after 11 minutes in an emotional finish.

One of the strengths of this album is it's ability to change my mood throughout. At times I feel like i'm bracing myself for the onslaught of heaviness while at other times i'm lost in a peaceful place it has taken me to. There are many moods though. Not quite a 5 star record for me yet. 4.5 stars.

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