Anthems for Odyssey

Come Blister the Sea (2007)

Greg

The debut EP by Boston's Anthems for Odyssey claims shoegaze influence, and I could see that to a degree. It is dreamy, mostly languid melodic soft rock. However, I think more of you could picture the band if I said they feel like a Polyvinyl band, specifically the Polyvinyl sound from four or five years ago. Even more specifically Rainer Maria.

"Goodnight, Britain" and its fluid vocal line full of sustained notes by Summer Kelly instantly recall Caithlin De Marrais. AFO is definitely more atmospheric musically than Rainer Maria, but the lyrical and vocal style of Kelly makes for an undeniable comparison. Their press sheet links them to My Bloody Valentine and the Jesus and Mary Chain, but when you take the noise out of the noise/pop equation, you can't make the link anymore.

Then there's the ballad "Barely There" which starts with an almost dub feel and retains an open and spacey groove thoughout. The bass shines and even gets a little solo, which I dig. But after floating through the three mellow middle tracks, the closer "Trying to Get By" is a nice pick-me-up. The uptempo track is the poppiest found here while still maintaining the sparse reverb-drenched guitar sound that defines the group.

For a self-released record, Come Blister the Sea has a very professional exterior with a nice looking digipak and all. However, sonically there is a bit to be desired. It's not a bad sounding EP, but the mix/EQing of the drums doesn't sit well with the atmospheric sound of the band. In particular, the bass drum is EQed like a punk band's bass drum would be -- far too punchy for this band's music.

As far as the tunes go, they are enjoyable but a bit forgettable. I would recommend it to anyone longing for a new favorite band since Rainer Maria called it a day.