 Diane
and the Shell
"The red EP" CD
EdWood
Records
Genres: instrumental rock, indie rock, post-rock
EdWood Records
Via Lombardia n.31
Ncolosi (CATANIA) ITALY
95030
Jul 19 - 25 2004 |
"The record contains long and cold winters, places of memory, and
other bullshits... That's all." (from The red EP's press
release) Succinct, and to the point. I liked this record before I even
took it out of its (delightfully designed) slimline case. When
it finally got into my stereo, I was surprised to discover a remarkably
enjoyable - and predominantly instrumental - album. Diane and the Shell work
with a nice array of instruments - bass, drums, organ, glockenspiel,
guitar, and occasional vocals - to create gradual, melodic instrumental
soundscapes.
The fun starts with "Different Shapes of Scandinavian
Landscape," a fine piece fueled by a twinkling glockenspiel
part. It is a charming tune, though its lack of hooks may become
a barrier for some less patient listeners - sparse, half-sung vocals
do add some accessibility. "Gregor,"
similarly, emphasizes the glockenspiel, whereas the band's self-named
epic, "Diane and the Shell," is a rolling, six-minute-plus
keeper.
This album is a bit uneventful, though all of its tracks are worth
hearing. Live, these compositions would be amazing; on record,
they are simply engaging, listenable pieces of instrumental indie
rock.
82%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 6 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2003] |
