Agalloch The White EP
Vendlus Records VEND010 29 February 2008
By Jason Jordan
The companion to previous Vendlus installment The Grey EP, Agallochs highly-anticipated The White EP is a collection of seven folk songs recorded between 2004-2007. Admittedly this EP cant stand up to the bands masterful LPs, but its a fine outing despite its lack of fluidity.
While the sorrowful, acoustic-laden opener The Isle of Summer conjures the dreary, natural environment in which the foursome reside, as do atmospheric followers Birch Black and the overly ambient Hollow Stone, its the lengthy Pantheist that truly excels. Laced with acoustic guitar, Jews harp, foreboding percussion, and clean chants, this despondent track is incredibly striking, partly due to its The Mantle vibes. More uplifting, however, is Birch White, but Sowilo Rune quickly returns to melancholy, offering piano accompaniment for good measure. Piano-cum-soundclip outro Summerisle Reprise is nothing to scoff at either.
For those unacquainted or simply inexperienced, it goes without saying that Agallochs full-lengths should be investigated before their EPs. Still, diehard fans will eat up The White EP as its yet another serving from these oh-so-talented Oregonians. Good luck procuring a copy, and whatever you do, dont expect the greatest album ever. Its simply a very good one.
Official Agalloch Website
Official Agalloch Myspace
Official Vendlus Records Website
Vendlus Records VEND010 29 February 2008
By Jason Jordan
The companion to previous Vendlus installment The Grey EP, Agallochs highly-anticipated The White EP is a collection of seven folk songs recorded between 2004-2007. Admittedly this EP cant stand up to the bands masterful LPs, but its a fine outing despite its lack of fluidity.
While the sorrowful, acoustic-laden opener The Isle of Summer conjures the dreary, natural environment in which the foursome reside, as do atmospheric followers Birch Black and the overly ambient Hollow Stone, its the lengthy Pantheist that truly excels. Laced with acoustic guitar, Jews harp, foreboding percussion, and clean chants, this despondent track is incredibly striking, partly due to its The Mantle vibes. More uplifting, however, is Birch White, but Sowilo Rune quickly returns to melancholy, offering piano accompaniment for good measure. Piano-cum-soundclip outro Summerisle Reprise is nothing to scoff at either.
For those unacquainted or simply inexperienced, it goes without saying that Agallochs full-lengths should be investigated before their EPs. Still, diehard fans will eat up The White EP as its yet another serving from these oh-so-talented Oregonians. Good luck procuring a copy, and whatever you do, dont expect the greatest album ever. Its simply a very good one.
Official Agalloch Website
Official Agalloch Myspace
Official Vendlus Records Website
