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Maudlin Of The Well was a fascinating musical outfit. Applying lush, prog-inspired and diverse instrumentation to the heavier points of death metal, they engineered a truly original and intriguing sound. Having recently disbanded for a range of reasons, a number of their rank have soldiered on to form Kayo Dot, both an extension of Maudlin's ambitions and a truly unique entity in its own right. Kayo Dot's first album, "Choirs Of The Eye", is a testament to diversity, innovation and production. At only five songs, this behemoth sprawls out to nearly an hour, and over its duration you will hear a veritable smorgasbord of interesting sounds and arrangements. Employing trumpets, violins, violas, flutes, odd sound effects, acoustic guitar, and others too numerous to list, the album is truly massive and a difficult one to get into, but a rewarding one nonetheless. Unlike Maudlin Of The Well, metal itself makes few appearances, and when it does it comes as a thick wall of consuming guitar with furious screaming from vocalist Toby Driver, who most often applies a delicate, intimate singing voice. The great thing about a band like Kayo Dot is that all of the band members, more of less, play a range of instruments and bring something unique to the fold. Few moments stand out, this isn't something you can put on and hum along to instantly. The melodies and song-structures seem obscure at first, but eventually it all comes together. This work is a measured whole, and should be judged as such, in no way is it just a collection of songs. This is one huge, diverse musical statement. My only complaint is that it is sometimes a bit TOO much to deal with, its own epicness and wild ambition could be its only flaw, and is recommended as something to put on occasionally to great enjoyment. Recommended to those who tire of the same-old same-old in both metal and music in general.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Marathon |
| 2. A Pitcher Of Summer |
| 3. The Manifold Curiosity |
| 4. Wayfarer |
| 5. The Antique |
: 56.00
| Buy other Kayo Dot albums |
