The four Irishmen in Parhelia self-released their debut, First Light, an instrumental EP boasting five songs. While the band's brand of refined and atmospheric post-rock is mesmerizing and warm, the musicians fail to make each song distinct enough to stand on its own. The result is a melancholy record laced with occasionally crunchy bursts of energy that sounds like one continuous 22-minute epic full of sonic shadows and organic textures. Parhelia is on to something here, to be sure, with cinematic song titles and competent playing that don't require lyrics to be effective. Most noteworthy is "Cloudbreak," which strays from the rest of the album's sound by incorporating more rhythm and attitude. The band simply needs to broaden its scope a bit and let a little light — a "first light," if you will — shine onto its dark palette.
Track Listing:
1) First Light
2) A Second Changes Everything
3) Cloudbreak
4) Ebb/Flow
5) Waves Turn
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