Canvas (EP)

Eolune

Independent release, 2010

http://www.myspace.com/eolune

REVIEW BY: Vish Iyer

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 05/21/2010

When someone like Radiohead releases an album for free (order processing charge aside), the move is given credence by the band’s superstar popularity and their already existing massive fanbase, a good chunk of which might not only pay an amount to download the music but would also otherwise attend a concert or two.

It might not be a bad idea if a new band that no one’s ever heard of does the same for their very first release; it’s just a matter of giving your music the maximum exposure. All this is great, but in this day and age, where it has never been easier for anyone to access music for free and it is so easy for a band to get lost within the myriad Facebook and MySpace pages of other acts, would the idea of “pay what you want” yield any dividend? my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

At least for Eolune, it certainly should. The band’s six-song debut EP Canvas is a treasure. Eolune does follow the current trend of synthesizer-influenced indie rock, but their distinctive sound has its unique charm that doesn’t drown them out among the din of the music on top 40 college rock radio.

Whether intended or not, this Boston-based duo’s music has all the hallmarks of the long-forgotten genre of Grebo rock. The sonic guitars and vigorous drums have the characteristics of ‘90s indie punk bands like Ned’s Atomic Dustbin and Chapterhouse. Bandmates Corey Wade and David Hunt sing with the heartfelt ardor of a debuting New Wave band.

Eolune doesn’t use the keyboards to irresponsibly make the music sound “retro” or “synth pop” or just throws it in just because it is the sound of the times. The synthesizers are offered in a more periphrastic manner as “electronic arrangements” used to create nifty intriguing noises, never fading in as mere ambience, and at the same time, never diminishing the guitars, which are the main focus of the music.

Wade’s guitar playing is full of character with wonderful intricacies that make some of the best parts of a song. Also Hunt’s bass playing deserves a mention, along with guest drummer Jonathan Schmidt’s drumming, which together provide an amazing rhythm section that injects rhythmic depths to the music, which is sophisticated, but not too complicated.

Canvas is a fine debut; in fact, one couldn’t have done it better. In addition to its free availability, this is the perfect introduction a new band could present of itself. If only this was a full-length album and equally as good, then it would have said volumes more about this fledgling group.

Rating: A-

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