ON AN ON

SYD ARTHUR create some of the most uplifting music that I have ever heard. They formed back in 2003 and eventually by 2006 they started to release some EPs, building to this the debut from 2012. They have always had aspirations to become successful musically, in other words, sell a lot of albums, but not at the cost of quality. They released three singles off of this album, and their most recent record "Apricity" unfortunately goes too far down that commercial road for my tastes. The album in between this one and "Apricity" called "Sound Mirror" is my favourite from them and an absolute classic in my world.

If your an audio-head you will love this band. Talk about attention to detail. This album sounds amazing. A four piece with Raven Bush's violin and mandolin adding some nice flavours. The lyrics are strong and the vocals so pure sounding. In the liner notes they say "Thanks to Canterbury and all that have been there along the way..." The music is light psychedelia mixed with a soft jazz/canterbury flavour. As I said before, this album just makes me feel good. Ten songs over 40 minutes and I have a top three.

The opener is good but far from a favourite as that would start with that second tune "Edge Of The Earth" which is a determined sounding piece opening with deranged mandolin before scratchy violin arrives then our main theme with vocals. So good! Some energy on this one. "Dorothy" could go in the KANSAS direction but thankfully no. Man this is a chilled track. Kind of an old school jazz flavour with the vocals taking their time along with the music. Such a feel good sound before 2 minutes as it rises some in passion.

The closer "Paradise Lost" rounds out my top three and it's the longest piece by far at almost 8 1/2 minutes. I was not expecting the power early on with this one. The guitar cries out and more before settling right down. It picks up with violin leading, then some vocal melodies. This is all so good. Oh, more of that power after 2 minutes including some aggressive violin and guitar expressions. Nice. This one is a ride. A calm at 3 1/2 minutes, lots of atmosphere. It starts to build a little with acoustic guitar before 5 minutes, then vocals for the first time. It will be after 6 1/2 minutes before they start to amp it up some, and the tempo picks up as well.

While the music here is great, that album cover art is terrible. I honestly can't believe that is what they went with. They should lose a star for that(lol).