Since I started writing reviews a couple of months ago, I`ve had the pleasure of reviewing a few truly unique, intelligent and original bands. Now, Where Echoes End, is another highly talented band/project that should be added to that list. Where Echoes End hail from Australia and consist of two multitalented guys, Eddie Katz and Paul Read. Some might recognize these names as they were both involved in the band "Vauxdvihl", who released the critically acclaimed debut "To dimesion logic". As I`m a big fan of that cd, I was very excited to hear what these two guys could come up with this time around.

The cd has 19 tracks, divided into 5 parts, with running time of exactly 72 minutes. I would also like to praise Katz for the great artwork on the cover and booklet, dark and dreamy, really interesting, mysterious and professional.

First, let me make it clear that this is nothing like Vauxdvihl, at least not in musical approach and direction. The cd is very original, in fact I have never heard anything similar to this, and it`s really hard to describe or categorize the music. The 19 tracks offered, takes you on a unique journey, experiencing 72 minutes of diverse keyboard/synth sounds/rhythms/music with samples floating around. Although this is not straight prog, there are lots of progressive elements to be found in their music.

As I mentioned, the music is basically built around the tasty key/synth work of Katz and Read, which is very varied and interesting. You can hear elements of ambient, romantic, symphonic, techno, bizarre, classical, ethnic, psychedelic, heavy and progressive music etc., professionally incorporated with various samples of specific themes/stories, making musical images. The music is sometimes slow, dark and beautiful, filled with romantic synthesized piano, violins and flutes, all mixed together with various poetic or thematic samples. But it can also be more upbeat, with techno rhythms or heavy guitars. There are also a lot of interesting instrumental parts, strange rhythms and sounds to be found. The music itself is very demanding for the listener. And the fact that this music really has something to say, both musically and lyrically, as there are a lot of different themes to be found from song to song (ranging from political, religious and cultural themes to science and human behavior etc), demands even more from the listener. This is not "easy listening", but really intelligent, thoughtful/though- provoking music. A review I saw, called it "poetry music" and that`s perhaps the most satisfying definition in collective terms that I can think of, although this music is so much more.

This is the hardest review I have had to write so far, as this music is original, and contains so many different musikal influences that it`s impossible to describe their style or sound in general terms. I would love to do a song per song review, but my poor english and the lack of spare time prevents me from doing just that.

The fact that these guys are a independent band, makes the outcome even more impressive. The production is impeccable and the mix between music and lyrical samples is very good, you can actually hear what the lyrics say. The artwork of the cd cover/booklet is superb, even with some words of wisdom to each of the five parts. And the music offered is diverse, intriguing, mind- provoking and totally original. That`s why I give this cd 5 out of 5 points. Beware that this is not every ones cup of tea, but fans of intelligent and original music should check this band out. Hopefully they will get a deal soon, and the chance to distribute their unique music worldwide.