Labels: Deep Elm
Review by: Martin Brown
Not since MUCKAFURGUSON’s “Gay EP” has Deep Elm released anything which strays from the SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE “corporate emo” flavour. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s really refreshing to get something different. And with a record as stunning as this, it’s a total shock. This three piece from Athens, Georgia are basically a vehicle for frontman Mike Montione to write, sing and perform a heart stoppingly good collection of songs about surgery, hope and various complex emotions surrounding illness. It has a very distinct R.E.M vibe, and even a pop/orchestral edge a la early DIVINE COMEDY (!) but maintains a lush, haunting sound which only an emo band could produce. The album kicks off with the sublime “She’s Sleeping” and seems to struggle afterwards finding direction. But after a few listens it fell into place, and you appreciate the more subtle elements of the record. With so many excellent songs on here like “Oh Surgery” and “The One Who Does Better”, this is one of the records not to miss out on this year.