COWBOY POEMS FREE

Echolyn's rebirth in 2000 was a spectacular one. And believe it or not, this isn't even their best album since their comeback. In fact, this four star album isn't as good as either of the two albums they've recorded since, yet this is still very close to a masterpiece.

Now I have heard a profusion of confusion as to whether or not Echolyn is a fusion band. Here the fusion is much less prevalent, as the songs mostly have more traditional rock structures. Yet even with that, the Echolyn odd rhythms, chord patterns and vocal harmonies abound. And the lyrics, mostly about the difficulties attaining the American Dream in this modern age, are deep and poignant.

Echolyn are still masters of intricate musical woven patterns. Although many of the tracks here on the surface sound straightforward, listen to the album repeatedly, and the intricacies reveal themselves to the listener. To spectacular effect.

4.5 stars.