I was sitting here wondering how to start this review, and my mind went blank. So I figured I’d be honest. I don’t know how to start this off.
How does one begin a review of an EP that they know they really like, by a band that’s tracked alongside the journey of Tuned Up, that will almost certainly read this? I feel that any attempt to make a grand statement encompassing my entire reaction to this EP will feel contrived. As I was pondering this conundrum, the mood of “Control” seemed to reflect my thoughts. It was then that I realized that my predicament was shaping my response to the EP, in a very meta sort of way.
You lost? I don’t blame you if you are.
Now the writing bug has fully kicked in for yours truly, and ironically a song titled “Martyrs” is airy and pleasant, thumping along confidently. I also just realized that the single of the EP, “Go On,” seemed to be egging me on to start this review as I contemplated my writer’s block.
It was sometime during the title track that I began to realize what the mission of this EP might be, however implicit; communicate that we’re all in life with all its ups and downs together, so we might as well try to relax and enjoy the ride. Full disclosure: I’ve been dealing with some overall tense-ness myself these past few weeks so I needed an EP like this. The riff in “Under Fire” seems to be in agreement with this sentiment – the song happy enough yet grounded enough to keep me in that calm state. I mean, I’d probably work out to this song but it probably wouldn’t get my adrenaline pumping of it’s own accord.
I think I’m going to cut to the chase here and say that this release is by far my favorite thing that The Cordial Sins has ever put out. If you know me you know I’m all about music with vibes. Stuff that sounds epic, and bonus points if at some point in a song I feel like I’m floating.
The Cordial Sins manages to accomplish a smorgasbord of the aforementioned effects, between Liz Fisher’s ethereal vocals, Corey Dickerson’s on point riffs, Kyle Edwards’ melodic foundation, and the groove of Jeremy Miller and John Allen. Listen to this record.
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