In my spectrum of music listening, I have developed a liking for many genres and am continuously delighted when people approach me with new music that will spark my interest. Recently, I was introduced to a New Zealand duo named Glass Vaults, and let me tell you, these guys are brilliant. Richard Larsen and Rowan Pierce grew up in the rural town of Manawatu, New Zealand before they enrolled at the University in Wellington to study music, ultimately leading up to them writing and recording under the moniker Glass Vaults.
The band's latest album, Glass EP, released in the U.S. on November 1 via Jukboxr Records, is a five-song compilation of looped electronic soundscapes, soft reverberations and drum beats that gently place you in an ambient coma for the duration of the album. You can download the EP for free here.
"Set Sail," the second track on the album, is full of depth and beautiful electronics -- you actually feel as though you are basking in the gorgeous New Zealand landscape with their soft voices enveloping you. The next track, "New Space," is a pleasantly uplifting song full of repeating drum beats that brings you back from your relaxed stupor and gives you a an unexpected burst of energy. The last song, "Forget Me Not," is a cosmic experience equipped with vocal harmonies, washed-out beats and lyrical repetition that you cant help but play on repeat in hopes that maybe this sensation of reverie will never end.
All of their songs have marvelous constituents to them that bring to mind the electronic proficiency of M83, the hauntingly beautiful harmonies of Yeasayer, and the experimental creativity of Animal Collective.
Glass EP is an album that caters to the many surfacing emotions of despair, chaos, longing, passion and contentment. Their successful experimentation with mystifying sounds, fluctuating harmonies, lyrical content and structured songwriting just shows us that they have what it takes to be the next big thing to come along. Hands down, Glass EP is of my favorite albums of 2010 thus far.
By
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Oct 20, 2011
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