Chances are that when a band abandons the folksy nuances that contributed to their uniqueness and helped define their sound they tend to drift into obscurity, which either renders them insignificant or leads to their demise (witness
Horslips, Waterboys,
Big Country,
the Drovers, et al.). Thankfully, this is not the case with
Eden Burning. In fact
Brink is their best produced album. Built upon their earlier sound, it allows them to establish themselves even more distinctly. Thanks are due in part to lead guitarist Paul Northup's growth as a singer and lyricist, but also contributing is
Eden Burning's realization that they possess traits that are now theirs (albeit slightly reminiscent of certain predecessors). The attention-getting opener "Deep Blue Sea," with its alternating electric-acoustic guitar and whimsical harmonica, is a bold proclamation that they are a changed band. Songs like "Wrap It Up," the
Aztec Camera-tinged "Another Country," and the
John Wesley Harding-esque "Big Regret" further emphasize
Eden Burning's brighter and deeper presence.