When I first came across Cavil At Rest last year, I was mightily impressed. A band that had a touch of the Gatsbys American Dream about them, they also had the ability to sound like themselves – pretty much a rarity in music circles these days. A couple of line-up changes – and plenty of hype through websites like AP.net – haven’t hindered their progress, as the band’s second self-released EP is also a little pearler. ‘Apples to Oranges’ comes in a cool spray-painted, hand-made case which, given the talent on offer, makes this release extra special.
This four-tracker moves things on from their last self-titled trio of songs. Focussing a jazzier sound that is less influenced by more day ’emo’ bands than its predecessor, it’s a record that, over the course of 17 minutes, showcases some real talent. ‘Who’s There’ starts things off with a real foot-stomping riff and drum pattern, really lulling you into a false sense of security as this is how loud the band get throughout. The handclaps are a lovely touch and the chorus, while not as accessible as their older material, is still worthy of praise. With organs, tambourines and a whole host of other instruments too, there’s an obvious 60s/the Beatles influence going on. But despite that, there’s still enough originality to make you want to listen again.
The more obscure influences kick in during ‘All Is Well And Good’, which I have to admit has a really nice vocal hook but a little too much superfluous stuff going on in between which loses a little focus. Again the range of instrumentation is great, with the drums another particular highlight. Same goes for ‘We Could Love’, which has all the hallmarks of a great track – top vocals, lovely structure and a poignant background of musical variety – but doesn’t quite hit the peaks it suggests it might. But, alongside ‘House On Stilts’, it’s different enough to really stick out among a sea of generic acts. Cavil At Rest hinted at greatness with their first CD and this, an even more talented effort, goes to prove it was no flash in the pan. Tightening up some of the songs here could prove to be their passage to the big time.
www.myspace.com/cavilatrest
paul