Search - Champion Birdwatchers :: Inconsolable Longing

The Inconsolable Longing_ is an

11/11/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Champion Birdwatchers - "The Inconsolable Longing" (RedShiftRecordings)If there's one thing that Radiohead has taught us, is that Pink Floyd is the standard by which all bands that dare to label themselves "alternative" WILL be measured by - there's no two ways about it. _Dark Side of the Moon_ was the forebear to bands such as the aforementioned Radiohead and the exciting Champion Birdwatchers, with it's epic music, epic guitarwork, and above all else, it's epic songs. This type of grand majesty is continued in "The Inconsolable Longing," the exciting and mind-blowing debut full-length release by these Washington residents.What is basically one big song (cut up into six sections, or to be more specific, eleven tracks), is marked by the twirling guitar lines of Nathan Johnson and the raspy vocals of E. Maxwell Johnson, whose gnarled voice is reminiscent of Jeremy Enigk in it's fragile strength. Starting off with the searing four-song suite "Jupiter's Galilean Moons," the listener is immediately thrust into the cello-and-flute enhanced funk of "Callisto," which then explodes with Johnson's imaginative and poetic lyrics, which owes as much to Eric Campuzano (Prayer Chain) as it does to C.S. Lewis. The harmonic waterfall of "IO" and the mellow, gorgeous acoustic guitar and inventive percussion of "Europa" contrast each other perfectly. Followed by twenty seconds of silence (then only moments of silence to be found on this album), the mind marvels at the realization that this album has just begun.Other standouts include the gorgeous intertwining melodies of "Surface The Jellyfish," which has all the makings of a hit single, and the soaring "Overswept," which is essentially Kings 18:6 sung in Hebrew, a yearning prayer set up against a backdrop of a lilting drum beat and a echoing guitar that bounces off the walls of the song. _The Inconsolable Longing_ is an orchestrated rock masterpiece, one that demands your full attention."

Truly amazing!

darthchase | orlando, fl USA | 04/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't gush enough about this album and this band. The songwriting is spectacular, the musicianship is top-notch, and perhaps most important the spirit of the music is pure.
the band does indeed have a rather unique sound and it may challenge some listeners who are accustomed to radio-friendly pop. but for the patient and for those willing to open their ears, hearts, minds and souls, this album will amaze you. there's so much going on within it. these guys aren't interested in writing pop ditties that'll get them commercial success. they're true musicians, and true artists, that know their craft and their instruments. this isn't a fast food cd, this is a nine-course banquet of gourmet musical delicacies. there's real substance here.
my one and only complaint is the production of the album, at times, is a little weak, in regards to the way it was mixed. but it's a minor quabble, considering the places this album can take you.
i recommend this album with the utmost of enthusiasm. out of the hundreds of cds i own, this is in my top 5. it gets better with every listen. buy it."