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This Sceptered Isle - And You Make Us Shine So Bright   (CDR-EP)

(Appealing Steel Music - kwgarrison@hotmail.com)
[Genres: indie rock, indie pop, emo]

This is a cdr from Kurt Garrison, one of the many musicians who record their own music and release it in small quantaties of CDRs.   Although this process can, often, lead to a poor release, the result can sometimes be a musical gem.  In this case, the offspring of Garrison's labour is certainly successful.   Taking cues from songwriters such as Steven Malkmus and Robert Pollard (there's even a cover of GBV's "Game Of Pricks" on this disc), Garrison has created nine enjoyable songs for this album, using the pseudonym of This Sceptered Isle.  Some of the songs here, like "Know" and "Knowledge of Nature" are quiet, fragile pieces, kind of like a male version of Julie Doiron.  Other pieces, like "Let's Make the Most of It!" and "Three's a Charm" are happy, silly ditties, bringing to mind comparisons to Beat Happening.  As well, some songs here have emo influences, like the powerful "Lock 4" and "A Warm Comforting Hand To Help Hold Your Head Up High."  Altogether, This Sceptered Isle has crafted a varied, original album.  The style, although influenced by many, is purely Garrison's own.  Very impressive.

80%

March 2002