I'm going to try and get a post done here and Green Gravy tonight to make up for my lack of updating recently, even if that means copying Scott by updating via pseudo album reviews/plugs. But the only thing more annoying than blogs that don't update are those that continually apologise for not updating so let's get into this.
Yndi Halda are a relatively new post-rock band from England, a place that's, at least to my knowledge, been pretty scarce in churning out good post rock bands, instead letting North America and Japan dominate the scene. This was my first exposure to the group; unsurprising as this is they're only full length released thus far. I've heard their sound described as Explosions You! Black Sky, which intrigued me as, even though I'm extremely apathetic to any Explosions in the Sky, Godspeed still remain one of my favourite groups.
I'd say the description given was pretty justified, there's a great balance between orchestral and string parts with guitar based post rock; hell, there's even some vocals every now and again, which is getting exceedingly rare in post rock. To put it simply, it's a good listen and your ears will certainly be at least enjoying temporary bliss (sorry). That said, I find myself somewhat conflicted with respect to how much I like this album. When I listen to it, I enjoy it a lot, it's a very well constructed album with some lovely moments and is a great example of neo-classical post rock. So what am I complaining about you ask? Well, I guess the whole thing is just too...predictable. Truly great post rock albums like Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven continually surprise me with respect to what's coming next (the climax of Sleep is nothing short of astounding). Program Music 1 did the same, it was innovative and fresh. These days it's becoming disturbingly easy to record some guitar melodies, a few violins and churn them through the giant 'post rock machine' and create pretty listenable albums and I can't help but feel that Enjoy Eternal Bliss falls into this territory.
But I'm being quite harsh, yes Enjoy Eternal Bliss is somewhat predictable and a little formulaic, but certainly no more so than Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, Russian Circles and Sigur Ros (yes, I went there, bite me). Frankly, I probably enjoyed it more than any of the albums I have by the aforementioned acts. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is if you're looking for a very solid post rock album, look no further. If, however, you're looking for the second coming of GY!BE, then you may be better off going back into your lonely shell and keep scouring eBay for All Lights Fucked on the Hairy Amp Drooling.
