Envy Insomniac Doze
Temporary Residence TRR112 September 12th, 2006
By Jason Jordan
The Neur-Isis-core and post-rock movements have largely been centered in the United States, but one of the more formidable acts blending those two styles hail from Japan. Maybe thats not a complete surprise since Temporary Residence also provides shelter for Explosions in the Sky, Mono, and used to for The Halifax Pier. However, Envys Insomniac Doze is perhaps the most emotional record of recent memory, which is kind of shocking because the lyrics are sung in the bands native tongue. Though there is an English translation in the booklet and bleak, desolate pictures that encapsulate the aural vibes Envy once again prove that music does indeed transcend all language barriers.
The distortion-free portions of Insomniac Doze recall the meekness and despondency of Kentuckys The Photographic, while the more tumultuous parts are in tune with Ohios Mouth of the Architect. I fully endorse the groups clean and unclean vocals, the latter strained and desperate in all their scream-like glory. While The Unknown Glow initially moves along at a lazy rivers pace differentiation provided by brass it eventually explodes, upping the tempo and aggression. But the most breathtaking excerpt from this hour-long journey is the majestic, 7-minute Scene, which simply reaffirms my love for music.
Envy really have something here with Insomniac Doze an album that is soothing, relaxing, and calming, yet is quite the opposite of soporific. Fans of Neur-Isis-core, post-rock, and even instrumental p-r will most likely be rapt upon hearing this Japanese import. I was, and still am.
8.5/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official Envy Website
Official Temporary Residence Website
Temporary Residence TRR112 September 12th, 2006
By Jason Jordan
The Neur-Isis-core and post-rock movements have largely been centered in the United States, but one of the more formidable acts blending those two styles hail from Japan. Maybe thats not a complete surprise since Temporary Residence also provides shelter for Explosions in the Sky, Mono, and used to for The Halifax Pier. However, Envys Insomniac Doze is perhaps the most emotional record of recent memory, which is kind of shocking because the lyrics are sung in the bands native tongue. Though there is an English translation in the booklet and bleak, desolate pictures that encapsulate the aural vibes Envy once again prove that music does indeed transcend all language barriers.
The distortion-free portions of Insomniac Doze recall the meekness and despondency of Kentuckys The Photographic, while the more tumultuous parts are in tune with Ohios Mouth of the Architect. I fully endorse the groups clean and unclean vocals, the latter strained and desperate in all their scream-like glory. While The Unknown Glow initially moves along at a lazy rivers pace differentiation provided by brass it eventually explodes, upping the tempo and aggression. But the most breathtaking excerpt from this hour-long journey is the majestic, 7-minute Scene, which simply reaffirms my love for music.
Envy really have something here with Insomniac Doze an album that is soothing, relaxing, and calming, yet is quite the opposite of soporific. Fans of Neur-Isis-core, post-rock, and even instrumental p-r will most likely be rapt upon hearing this Japanese import. I was, and still am.
8.5/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official Envy Website
Official Temporary Residence Website
Great review there man... you've really been doing a lot of them lately, eh?
