Eleven Return & Revert

This is the first time I've reviewed anything on Amazon. You should also know that I am not musically proficient, I just know what I like, what I love & what gets on my nerves.

I discovered this band by chance when I went to see Mono in Glasgow one night. They came on the stage & I admit to not having high hopes. But then the music started & I got into it right away. & then Liz opened her mouth & sang & it was one of those moments where you discover something truly wonderful that you didn't even realise you'd been searching for. I don't want to compare her singing to someone else. What I will say though is that, when she sings, you feel lighter. You get that feeling deep in your gut that you wouldn't want to be anywhere else. All previous concepts of favourite singer are null & void.

Listening to the cd, its easier to pick out all the little nuances of the tracks (compared to the fuzz of live music in small venues with inane chatter getting in the way) & Rowan's guitar work along with Liz's singing prove that post rock need not always be about week-long instrumentals. (That's not to say I don't have lots of time for Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Exposions in the Sky, Mogwai & the rest.)

MovieScreens kicks us off & it's barely seconds before the shimmering guitar gets going. Then the rest of the band join in & you can't help but nod along. Finally Liz turns up at the mic & within a few lines you know this is something special. A solitary piano gets us going for Century, the second track. This time Liz slips into the kind of vocals that we are to expect more of during the rest of the album. It all leads to a glorious crescendo. It's the kind of voice that could be used to soothe the fears of small children, melt icy hearts, bring tears to dried up eyes, or fill a heart with love. You might think this sounding very pretentious, but I urge you to have a listen. You'll see what I mean.

Further highlights include, (but are not limited to,) Bright Lights Will Harm No-One, the rocking My Radio Star & 17. I actually don't have a favourite song on this album, there are too many to choose from.

This album is one that will not have made it onto most listeners radars. I'd never have discovered it myself if I hadn't poppped along to see Mono that night. But, if you have any interest whatsoever in post rock, or rock music in general, or indie, or you have a heart that is not made of stone, this album is absolutely for you!

15 years of buying albums & going to gigs & this is the first one that has motivated me to write a review. When I got the cd it went into my stereo & did not come back out for a fortnight. I'd say I listen to it once a week at least & it still has the same effect as the first time I heard them play.

As you can tell from my going on & on, this album is a shoe-in for any "top 5" lists I make. It is incredible in its sheer beauty & craftsmanship & is something to be treasured. Buy it, immerse yourself in it, love it.