My Epic combine
Circa Survive's eunuch-voiced emo with
Thrice's stormy passion. The result is stunning. Clean tones sparkle like dewdrops, while dirty tones spiral skyward, leaving golden trails. The songs are adventurous, constantly stretching toward higher climaxes and deeper troughs. The wondrously anthemic "The Oil Press" and "The Lover and the Thief" recall
U2 and
Coldplay. Yet the songs are patient, often meditating for minutes on naked guitars; the instrumental "Perelandra" exposes the squeaks of fingers on strings. The production is also quite human. Many records of this ilk are slickly over-perfect. While this one is technically proficient, the drums sound like drums, the string accompaniments aren't synthesized, and fire and ice are palpable. Music this heartfelt is rare nowadays. Even if one doesn't agree with the band's Christianity, it's hard not to be moved by its musicality. This is music of hope, loss, and love. On only its debut, this band has earned its lofty name. ~ Cosmo Lee