The Pax Cecilia Blessed Are the Bonds
Self-Released April 18, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Pennsylvanias The Pax Cecilia again prove that not all fantastic bands are signed. In fact, not only is this fivesome without a label, but theyre giving away Blessed Are the Bonds for free, so head to their website before you finish reading this review and request a copy. Back now? Okay, lets move on then.
As far as style is concerned, this quintet plays an inventive form of post-rock with indie rock tendencies, and, in addition, involves a number of guests and instruments to further mold the soundscape. So, besides the usual, theres a string trio, piano, and trombone. Also, not to be overlooked is the fact that several vocal contributions come from members of The Apparati and other individuals.
While Blessed Are the Bonds seems like an indie rock record during the string-laden The Tragedy and The Tomb Song both of which incorporate plenty of passionate clean vocals along with emotional piano support there are genuinely heavy parts in The Tomb Song as well as the agile tumbler known as The Progress. Think along the lines of Buried Inside, but a tad slower and with crashing riffs that would make Pelican, Russian Circles, and Tides jealous. The Machine is an energetic, riveting tune with scratchy, nails-on-a-chalkboard vocals that make for a nice contrast, though they do appear prior, while The Wasteland is an aptly-titled downer that eventually leads into the more uplifting The Water Song, whose string passages are nothing short of breathtaking. The Tree is in the same league. Closer The Hymn is acoustic-cum-vocals, and the latter remain soft and meek throughout to the song's overall benefit.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, The Pax Cecilia do get off to a slow start. Theres also quite a string presence on Blessed Are the Bonds, which may rub some the wrong way, in addition to overly long songs that tap out at 10 minutes or more, though many span between three and eight. The petty might complain about each title beginning with the word the see the latest from The Haunted and Dimmu Borgir but thats of minimal importance.
Above all, Blessed Are the Bonds is a unique, exceptional record that has noteworthy characteristics in spades, and supreme artwork to boot. Furthermore, you will see The Pax Cecilia somewhere on my best of 2007 list. Visit their website and support them. Donations arent required, of course, but are encouraged.
Official The Pax Cecilia Website
Self-Released April 18, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Pennsylvanias The Pax Cecilia again prove that not all fantastic bands are signed. In fact, not only is this fivesome without a label, but theyre giving away Blessed Are the Bonds for free, so head to their website before you finish reading this review and request a copy. Back now? Okay, lets move on then.
As far as style is concerned, this quintet plays an inventive form of post-rock with indie rock tendencies, and, in addition, involves a number of guests and instruments to further mold the soundscape. So, besides the usual, theres a string trio, piano, and trombone. Also, not to be overlooked is the fact that several vocal contributions come from members of The Apparati and other individuals.
While Blessed Are the Bonds seems like an indie rock record during the string-laden The Tragedy and The Tomb Song both of which incorporate plenty of passionate clean vocals along with emotional piano support there are genuinely heavy parts in The Tomb Song as well as the agile tumbler known as The Progress. Think along the lines of Buried Inside, but a tad slower and with crashing riffs that would make Pelican, Russian Circles, and Tides jealous. The Machine is an energetic, riveting tune with scratchy, nails-on-a-chalkboard vocals that make for a nice contrast, though they do appear prior, while The Wasteland is an aptly-titled downer that eventually leads into the more uplifting The Water Song, whose string passages are nothing short of breathtaking. The Tree is in the same league. Closer The Hymn is acoustic-cum-vocals, and the latter remain soft and meek throughout to the song's overall benefit.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, The Pax Cecilia do get off to a slow start. Theres also quite a string presence on Blessed Are the Bonds, which may rub some the wrong way, in addition to overly long songs that tap out at 10 minutes or more, though many span between three and eight. The petty might complain about each title beginning with the word the see the latest from The Haunted and Dimmu Borgir but thats of minimal importance.
Above all, Blessed Are the Bonds is a unique, exceptional record that has noteworthy characteristics in spades, and supreme artwork to boot. Furthermore, you will see The Pax Cecilia somewhere on my best of 2007 list. Visit their website and support them. Donations arent required, of course, but are encouraged.
Official The Pax Cecilia Website
