http://theriverempires.com/ http://www.facebook.com/theriverempires http://last.fm/music/The River Empires http://myspace.com/theriverempires The River Empires Release Date:April 06, 2010 Length:1:28 Volume 1 1 The River Empires Theme I 2 Overture In Thales Summer 3 Our Neighbor, The Earth 4 The Coventry 5 Galloping Through Day Blooms 6 The Harbourland 7 From Faye To Astral 8 A Toast To The Snake King 9 The First Message 10 Catacombs And Orchards 11 Three Tigers 12 Stag Hollow Fair 13 Lull Of Celeste 14 From Outside The Cellar 15 Vcias In The Pines 16 A Dimmer Lux 17 Lillius Volume 2 18(1) Witches Blossom 19(2) The Curse Of Maybel Cains 20(3) Wildbriar 21(4) The Motorbike 22(5) The Pelican 23(6) The Backyard In Sparkles 24(7) Land Of Canoes 25(8) Theon, The Fox 26(9) An Elliptic Figure From Borelli 27(10) The Marching Of The Clocks 28(11) The Woods Of Northland 29(12) The River Empires Theme II [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IYIo03xfXs"]YouTube- The Marching of the Clocks - The River Empires[/ame] After four or five times all the way through hearing this 88-minute two-volume, 2-disc debut record, I have been pretty thoroughly won over. How or why that is? 1st of all, as for something that long that includes 29 track titles, it hardly feels that long. And the reason that is, the themes seem to flow from track-2-track. Many of the tracks are actually just short under-1-minute movements (or sound bytes). Others are instrumental pieces that hardly over-extend their welcome. But after a couple of times through, of course a lot of the memorable parts, themes or melodies do stand out. Our Neighbor, the Earth The Coventry The Harbourland A Toast to the Snake King Three Tigers From Outside the Cellar A Dimmer Lux Witches Blossom The Curse of Maybel Cains The Marching of the Clocks Many of the elements about this record, that are worth noting, include: Suites, reoccurring themes, various chamber instruments including xylophone, (alto-saxophone?), cello, accordion, french horn, banjo, fiddle, and wonderful female vocal harmonies. The lyrics and movements give the story a gradual yet still rewarding experience for the listener. Although not necessarily noticed until a few times through. Many songs have these sections that seem very meticulous. The themes are very rich, you can't help but get sucked in. Also it seems likely to notice many new things with each listening. Whether it be lyrically, or some subtle arrangement in the music. This album very effectively tells a story, or paints a picture, while avoiding cheesiness, melodrama, or even pretentiousness. Something to keep in mind, is the fact it is a soundtrack for what is three motion pictures, the lead creator, Jessy Ribordy, plans to head up. It has the name "Epilogue" as part of it's title due to the fact it is the music that is a soundtrack for the entire story. What order the movies will be made-in, to go with these seven volumes (there will be five more volumes/albums). And whether the films will be made after the whole series of albums are finished being released, or as they are being-made, remains to be seen. But that is definitely something to follow in the future of this band/project. This really doesn't include much guitar. In spots, there is some, but it's amazing how well the music works despite that fact. But for that reason, it doesn't seem like it has much actual "rock" sound, if there is such a thing. But the different instruments, including piano and drums, really fill the sound well enough. My guess is Casey Crescenzo had a fair amount to do with that and what is excellent production quality, very much on the level or worthy of the last two The Dear Hunter album's production. This album could be described as folk, chamber-folk, chamber-bluegrass, progressive-folk, or many other things. I don't find it matters by lacking guitar, a highly technical or heavy part, it's style in no way hurts it's unique quality. In fact, I'd say it makes it more original. How many artists have combined folk and bluegrass music, this way? Not many. Sufjan Stevens or The Decemberists I suppose, but not really how this whole project is being approached with a story-arc and the music accompanying films (or the music really being "soundtracks" for the movies, rather than the other way around). It also seems to be promoted or mentioned via some christian sources. I guess Jessy Ribordy and Josh Shroy's previous band, Falling Up, had some of their music lumped-in with the Christian Rock scene. But there is not much, if any obvious evidence of christian music on here. At least from hearing it enough times, even without reading the lyrics (yet). King's X and Mute Math were at one point treated as Christian Rock as well, but they never were. I really can't recommend this record enough as I'd say it's probably the most ambitious album I've heard since Apes and Androids "Blood Moon" in 2008. And The Dear Hunter fans especially could find it worth their while given Casey actually is a member and is quite notice-ably involved with the song writing, album arrangement, and the production. 92/100
Just downloaded this, I'm really excited to listen to it. Your review is whetting the mouth of my dick.
I don't think I've been listening to this in the proper mindset Scape... The opening always blows me away, but nothing thereafter ever quite compels me to that level.
On my 1st impression, I honestly wasn't overly impressed by it either. I found it lacked hooks or in your face melodies (and guitar parts) But that probably wasn't the best mindset to expect. I recall Jessy even saying it was still largely an acoustic and folk-based record. But after I'd say the 3rd time, the melodies started to stick in my head more. All those chamber instruments, some of Jessy's vocal lines, the gang vocal harmonies. It's hardly something that hits you over the head right away. But I think I've played it about a dozen times now, and nearly every track is more enjoyable than when I 1st heard them. Songs like The Coventry, Catacombs And Orchards, The Harbourland, The Backyard In Sparkles, and An Elliptic Figure From Borelli. I guess for those who really enjoy the orchestral and acoustic side to The Dear Hunter; say some of the interlude pieces and whatnot The Dear Hunter has used, this record totally goes into that same territory. I am finding there to be a great mix of those, the ballads, and the more melodic pieces for this to flow.
This all the way. My first full listen was last night, and it was surprisingly enjoyable. Gonna do the same tonight. I have the feeling this might be one of those albums, you know?
holy fucking fuck. a minute into track 2 and i fucking love this. EDIT: shit Matt, now you got me sad that the rest of the album won't hold up. EDIT: Matt your ears are retarded. this album is gorgeous.
well Matt wasn't all that impressed by Apes and Androids either which surprised me. But being a fan of Falling Up apparently (I noticed 1 or 2 of their albums in his rym) I would think those guys and Casey being involved, this would be something he'd dig. Maybe eventually he will.
agreed. Sometimes this stuff takes some time I guess. the original thread I ended up bumping 4x's before anyone noticed. Some people don't read this reviews forum I imagine.
tagging the files for this was a bitch, but I've never been so excited to listen to something I know absolutely nothing about
