Agalloch – The White EP
Vendlus Records – VEND010 – 29 February 2008
By Jason Jordan
The companion to previous Vendlus installment
The Grey EP,
Agalloch’s highly-anticipated
The White EP is a collection of seven folk songs recorded between 2004-2007. Admittedly this EP can’t stand up to the band’s masterful LPs, but it’s a fine outing despite its lack of fluidity.
While the sorrowful, acoustic-laden opener
‘The Isle of Summer’ conjures the dreary, natural environment in which the foursome reside, as do atmospheric followers
‘Birch Black’ and the overly ambient
‘Hollow Stone,’ it’s the lengthy
‘Pantheist’ that truly excels. Laced with acoustic guitar, Jew’s harp, foreboding percussion, and clean chants, this despondent track is incredibly striking, partly due to its
The Mantle vibes. More uplifting, however, is
‘Birch White,’ but
‘Sowilo Rune’ quickly returns to melancholy, offering piano accompaniment for good measure. Piano-cum-soundclip outro
‘Summerisle – Reprise’ is nothing to scoff at either.
For those unacquainted or simply inexperienced, it goes without saying that
Agalloch’s full-lengths should be investigated before their EPs. Still, diehard fans will eat up
The White EP as it’s yet another serving from these oh-so-talented Oregonians. Good luck procuring a copy, and whatever you do, don’t expect the greatest album ever. It’s simply a very good one.
Official Agalloch Website
Official Agalloch Myspace
Official Vendlus Records Website
