Envy of None – That Was Then, This is Now EP
KScope Records
Release Date: 09/06/23
Running Time: 21:21
Review by Paul Hutchings
9/10
Did 2022’s debut by Envy of None pass you by? The self-titled release saw Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson join Andy Curran, Maiah Wynne and Alf Annibalini to deliver a delicious, dark, and cinematic album that lingered long in the memory. Full of electro-pop, ambient soundwaves, and haunting melodies, it was a far cry (sorry) from the music we’d associate Lifeson or Curran with. But it worked, and with Wynne’s quite scintillating ethereal vocals penetrating deep into the subconscious, it was also one of the standout albums of last year.
This five track EP sees EON return to the consciousness, with a couple of remixes, two songs from the deluxe version of “Envy of None” and a new track in ‘That Was Then’. It’s a reminder to reinvest time in the original release, as well as to savour the revisions and anticipate more new music from this most original and creative of outfits.
The first two songs ‘Lethe River’ and ‘You’ll Be Sorry’ both featured on the deluxe release, but if like me you didn’t get that release, then it’s two additional new songs to immerse yourself in. ‘Lethe River’ is immediate, layered, intoxicating. Wynne’s smooth and enchanting vocals wrap around while the music engulfs you in wave after wave of techno-electro vibes with rock undertones. The vibe continues on ‘You’ll Be Sorry’, which casts its own spell on the listener. It shimmers, the creativity providing another sweeping soundscape that you can lose yourself in. Lifeson’s guitar is once again understated, clever, gentle.
The two trippy remixes provide something different and showcase even more expansive elements to this unique group of artists. ‘Dog’s Life’ was one of the more straightforward tracks on Envy of None, but here it is a cascade of emotions, with dramatic interludes and upbeat passages that sing to an electronica pulse. It’s clever, evocative, and quite captivating. The Der Dummkopf remix of ‘Dumb’ continues the waves of ambient styles.
Then we arrive at the new track, ‘That Was Then’. It’s got a dance beat that pulses underneath, and yet there is more of a contemporary feel, with the backing vocals further forward in the mix and the guitar turned up a few notches. We also finally get an understated guitar solo, which has a Gilmour feel to it, as the song builds to a crescendo. It’s a dexterous, fluid, organic and progressive song that enhances everything so very exciting about EON.
In the press release, Andy Curran comments “Very happy to say that chapter 2 for Envy of None has officially started. We have a brand-new song called ‘That Was Then’ which marks the first new track we’ve recorded since our debut album release almost a year ago. The new EP has that song sandwiched between some really trippy remixes that we had some serious fun creating. We’re also looking forward to sharing all these songs in 360 surround sound to take it one step further. Stay tuned for more cool news around the corner for EON…”
Don’t touch that dial!
‘Dumb – Der Dummkopf Remix’ Official Lyric Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. Lethe River
02. You’ll Be Sorry
03. Dog’s Life (Remix)
04. Dumb (Der Dummkopf Remix)
05. That Was Then
LINE-UP:
Alex Lifeson – Guitars, programming
Andy Curran – Bass, programming, guitar, backing vocals
Maiah Wynne -Vocals, keyboards
Alf Annibalini – guitar, keyboards, programming.
LINKS:
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