Former Greyhaven keyboardist's solo project
Murat Batmaz | Istanbul, Turkey | 02/08/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Echo Us is former Greyhaven founder/keyboardist Ethan Matthews' new solo project. Since Greyhaven was put on hold (though I sincerely hope Ethan is going to put it back together somehow some time), Matthews ventured into electronic music creating the interesting project Echo Us that will definitely have appealing value for fans of 80's synth-pop, experimental electronic music, and other pop culminations of diverse influences.
Fans of dark progressive metal fans of Greyhaven should note that Echo Us presents a different side of Ethan Matthews' curious musical vision. This is an entire solo project in which Matthews handles every aspect of the music from very personal vocals to drum programming to song arrangements and meticulous production. The short "My Sirens" starts the album displaying Matthews' sparse key textures and is anchored with the two vocal tracks, "Dreaming" and "Directed Story". Both songs employ consistent use of synths, programmed drums and smooth vocal melodies. I'm not too good at comparing this kind of music to other bands, but I believe Tangerine Dream and Depeche Mode fans might enjoy them. "Her Heart's Army / White Wednesday" and "I Radiate I" are my favourite pieces here; they clearly come from Ethan Matthews' progressive roots blended with ambient textures, ethereal lead guitar work and constant harmony changes. "White Wednesday", the second part of track four, is the more atmospheric piece that will sweep you away because of its fantastic production. Fear not, Echo Us is not an attempt on Matthews part to go commercial; you can't go commercial with 11-minute tracks like this. "I Radiate I" is the album's most chaotic composition. Uncomfortable keys run amok in the background with intense guitar lines floating above them as if a soft wind carries them over. Its multi-textured instrumentation is bound to keep Greyhaven fans' attention.
The production of this disc is lightyears ahead of Greyhaven as well. There's a great sense of clarity and cohesiveness throughout. More compact tunes ala "Who Loves You" remind me of 80's A-ha, though like I said, I could be well off the mark here. Matthews' careful work on keyboard sequencing results in a very happy melody that I want to hear constantly while reading or relaxing. "Black Thursday", on the other hand, sees Matthews using delicate symphonic arrangements embraced by synth-pop elements and ambient textures. This disc is bound to establish Echo Us as a creative electronic band in this expansive genre. In the booklet, it is mentioned that this albumn is dedicated to solace and perseverance, and it definitely shows."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1