Dreaming of a perfect combination? How about a cross between Joe Christmas
and Roadside Monument? Sounds great, doesn't it? Well, Pistis (all good
bands break-up too soon) pulls off this combination of their debut. The
math-rock influence of Roadside Monument is present throughout the guitar
area and the simpliicty and gentle voice of Joe Christmas fills out the
sound. Not only is the music artistic, but also the very poetic lyrics that
make you try and find the deeper meaning. Tranquility best describes the
feeling behind songs like "Citygirl" and "Seabed of Pleiades" that hold a
somber, yet peaceful tune. For some reason, the beginning to "Maxium
Entropy" (with the bass line) makes me think of a Nintendo video game, but
it turns into a soft indie-rock song and then to a chaotic bridge. I can
just imagine the band onstage just going mad when the chaotic part was
played. "Gray Loose Tracings..." is just kind of a creepy interlude with
what sounds like fast-forwarded ninjas or chimpmunks in the background.
"Wichita" reminds me of the old Octane Blue with its brooding chord
progression and creepy voice sampling. Eventually, the song explodes like
Roadside would do on Eight Hours and the song falls into a rocked-out
bridge. The most intriguing song of the album is "Cordless Moon," an
acoustic song accompanied by an ebow and the rolling waves of Cocoa Beach.
The first time I heard it I immediately thought of the acoustic arrangements
by Pink Floyd (like "Wish You Were Here"). Josh's passionate voice fills the
air as he simply sings, 'So take me for a ride on your wings' and your mind
is transported to some small coffeeshop on the ocean while two guys play
this beautiful song. I don't know why I think this, but the CD has a 70's
feeling to it. Not musically, but just the aura of it. The layout of the CD
adorned in old photographs from 1973-75 certainly help, but I just can't
help thinking of that time period while listening to the disc.
Lars-O-Meter: 7.5 out of 10
Favorite Song: "Cordless Moon"
Record Label: nowOrange Records (this CD may be hard to find now, so e-mail
Lou([email protected]) from Tenderfoot, he's got a
whole bunch of copies for sale)
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