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January 2016 saw the release of Sanguine Hum's 2-disc What We Ask Is Where We Begin: The Songs For Days Sessions, containing the music from the 2006 album Songs For Days on a physical CD for the first time, along with a second disc of out-takes and unreleased songs.
Songs For Days was originally released by The Joff Winks Band, which had the same lineup that would eventually become Sanguine Hum: Joff Winks (guitars and lead vocals), Matt Baber (keyboards), Brad Waissman (bass), and Paul Mallyon (drums). One thing that jumps out right away is that the band members are all highly skilled, and capable of pulling off some very challenging instrumental passages without ever becoming self-indulgent. One gets the sense that the group does not take themselves too seriously.
This 2-disc set serves as a great reintroduction to the band's early days, and it's especially interesting to hear their music from this period after having heard their more recent releases. In spite of it being from several years ago, this CD fits nicely alongside the others in their catalog. The songs here are fully-formed and dynamic; even the second disc feels like a cohesive collection rather than a selection of bonus material. Among the unreleased material is a very nice rendition of Steely Dan's "Here At The Western World", which gives an idea of how diverse their influences might be.
The album instrumentation features electric and acoustic guitar, bass (both bass guitar and double bass), a wide array of keyboards, drums and other percussion. The sonic palette is quite lush and expansive, and the song construction is never boring. A quick look at the album credits also shows that the band members switch things up a bit by playing various other instruments, as well as contributing additional vocals.
If you like music that is ambitious without being inaccessible or contrived, or are looking for something off the beaten path, this album comes highly recommended.
Standout Tracks: Before We Bow Down, Juniper, Morning Sun
Sounds like:
- alternative
- pop
- post-rock
- jazz
- progressive
Doesn't sound like:
- metal
- neo-prog
- EDM
Have a listen for yourself!
Also, check out Sanguine Hum's website here:
http://troopersforsound.com/
Year Released: 2016 / Record Label: Esoteric Antenna
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