Eaten by Tigers - Solstice (Originally posted at www.thesilentballet.com)
Score: 7/10
Eaten By Tigers' debut EP, 2007’s Entropy, scored rather favourably with The Silent Ballet last year. As an assurance that said EP is “really good,” the only criticism reviewer, James Ould, could offer up was that “During each track a concurrent melody is played throughout that almost acts as the missing vocals… it’s this method that could cause tedium on a longer time span.” Having been handed EBT's 2008 release, Solstice, I hope to evaluate whether the band has progressed musically and if Ould’s concerns of tediousness are beginning to show in the sophomore release. So, let’s carry on and avoid the usual introduction of basic biography, as to reiterate my point about The Silent Ballet’s readership skills on the internet; I’m sure you know you how to use the search button if you really, really want to know Eaten by Tigers' backstory.
So, how does Solstice differ to Entropy? Well, for a start the tracks are no longer as fleeting. The EP opens with a definite starting point, aptly named “Prelude,” which encompasses Eno ambience and glitchy beats; on first listen, it’s not dissimilar to cLOUDDEAD album opener “Apt. A, Pt.1.” The transition between “Prelude” and “Solstice” is seamless, and when compared to Entropy, the EP functions a lot less like a collection of demos and more like a regimented and solid piece. The addition of vocals is welcome, with Ould’s criticism seemingly quelled as both “Prelude” and “Solstice” feature hushed utterances. However, the quartet seem to slip back into old habits with third track “Reflections at 40,000 Ft.” While I can’t fault this composition in terms of its clear display of musical skill, it feels like a pale revival of ideas already executed in Entropy. Thankfully, EP closer “Dedicious” hints that Eaten By Tigers can progress even further, with an excellent ensemble of those glitchy computer noises everyone seems to love, acoustic guitar, and violin.
I’m sure you’ve all been holding your breath waiting to hear Solstice to see if Ould’s premonition of tediousness may be correct, so hopefully I can put an end to your sleepless nights, irritable behaviour, and general on-edge lifestyle by letting you know that Solstice does not slip into tedium. Eaten by Tigers have clearly upped their creative output, and they have offered the listener an exquisite array of sounds specifically suited to sooth your worried palette. Worry not, reader, Eaten by Tigers are obviously improving all the time.
So, how does Solstice differ to Entropy? Well, for a start the tracks are no longer as fleeting. The EP opens with a definite starting point, aptly named “Prelude,” which encompasses Eno ambience and glitchy beats; on first listen, it’s not dissimilar to cLOUDDEAD album opener “Apt. A, Pt.1.” The transition between “Prelude” and “Solstice” is seamless, and when compared to Entropy, the EP functions a lot less like a collection of demos and more like a regimented and solid piece. The addition of vocals is welcome, with Ould’s criticism seemingly quelled as both “Prelude” and “Solstice” feature hushed utterances. However, the quartet seem to slip back into old habits with third track “Reflections at 40,000 Ft.” While I can’t fault this composition in terms of its clear display of musical skill, it feels like a pale revival of ideas already executed in Entropy. Thankfully, EP closer “Dedicious” hints that Eaten By Tigers can progress even further, with an excellent ensemble of those glitchy computer noises everyone seems to love, acoustic guitar, and violin.
I’m sure you’ve all been holding your breath waiting to hear Solstice to see if Ould’s premonition of tediousness may be correct, so hopefully I can put an end to your sleepless nights, irritable behaviour, and general on-edge lifestyle by letting you know that Solstice does not slip into tedium. Eaten by Tigers have clearly upped their creative output, and they have offered the listener an exquisite array of sounds specifically suited to sooth your worried palette. Worry not, reader, Eaten by Tigers are obviously improving all the time.
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