I got around to picking up Setting Fire to the Great Unknown the newish (September '08) full-length debut by Greycoats. Having heard comparisons to Radiohead (casual listener) and Coldplay (to date, can barely tolerate) I was a bit leery of picking up this release. But I'd heard a couple of songs and decided to give the record a chance.The first words that come to mind while listening to Setting Fire to the Great Unknown are epic and sweeping. One moment you're swept up in a melodic moment with crisp dreamy vocals. The next moment you're caught up in dramatic feedback filled intensity.
I was instantly taken with the strikingly beautiful "Watchman, What Is Left Of The Night?" This song is followed by the one, two punch of "Make Me Like The Moon" and "Spiritual." "Make Me Like The Moon" is filled with feedback and surging rhythms. "Spiritual" on the other hand has a low-key gospel appeal that builds up to a feedback ringing finish. There's a delicate soulfulness in the vocals. You can imagine sitting in a candle lit room, on the floor, on overstuffed pillows while listening.
Setting Fire to the Great Unknown is a beautiful record. It's definitely worth a listen if you're into melodic melodramatic indie music.
Track Listing
- Learning To Remain
- Revenge
- Goodbye, Sweet Youth, Goodbye
- An Echo In The Dark
- La Résistance
- That Great And Terrible Day
- Monarch Wings
- Watchman, What Is Left Of The Night?
- Make Me Like The Moon
- Spiritual
- Not Afraid
www.myspace.com/greycoats
