Winds "The Imaginary Direction of Time" CD
[The End]
Man, I always expect and truly want this band to just blow me out of the water, because they have so much talent and so much vision, but they never really pull it off for me. It's frustrating, because I get so excited about their records, and then I throw them in, and I'm intrigued, but still let down at the same time... it just doesn't hit me with the impact that I expect. I don't know, I had similar issues with their last record, and I like this one a little more, but it's still a matter of impact - and that's what these songs lack! Now, the clean parts sound fucking brilliant, perfectly smooth and lush (working well with the use of the string quartet), and the progressive runs and leads are astoundingly awesome, definitely bringing to mind some of the more tasteful Shrapnel Records styles of playing. Hell, even the songwriting leans towards being right where it should, and certainly interesting. The problems arise in large part to an ever so slightly inefficient recording/mix, where a few minute changes could make an absolute world of difference. Now, make no mistake, the sound quality is highly professional here, and in many respects it's fucking great... but the way the elements are mixed together leaves immense, immense gaps in the end product that really hurt. The vocals are way out front standing on their own outside the music. The drums are a teensy bit thin and machinated at times as well, equal parts perfection and a tad shy of effective. The bass isn't holding down the center of the mix either, further opening up the songs and leaving hollow areas. Which brings us to one the most important elements - the guitars. The distorted guitar tone is expertly clean and clear, but sounds like it's only turned up halfway. It's too quiet and has a powerless distortion to it. The tone would probably be fine were the guitars louder, and I understand that clarity is essential here since there are so many layers and instruments involved, but the core of the mix is far too sparsely populated. I think the singing lacks force and energy as well, so while nice, its emphasis in the fore of the mix really warrants absolutely no holding back. Simply turning up the guitars and bass, dropping the vocals back a smidge, that could indeed place this record in an entirely different category. Don't get me wrong, I do find some faults in the songwriting as well... the tempos maintain a consistent air and some of the more laidback passages lack movement to me, but I feel like the essence of the songs isn't being properly displayed here because I'm distracted by the mix and the flatness of the guitar tone. I think I would feel entirely different about this CD if performed precisely as it is here were the recording more beneficial to what the band is actually playing. The layout is fairly simple but fucking beautiful, with a slick color scheme, clean type, and consistent imagery. I love it. There are a few band photos amidst the lyrics, which are actually fairly interesting and do fit the theme of the record title: "There are whispers from the other side, calling for a path to reason, But the desire of a lesser kind holds strong in a world of treason, It is only when the darkest hour approaches that our true nature is exposed..." Damn, this is a rough one. I'd love to give this a 7/10 based on the respect that I have for the band's musicianship, professionality, and potential alone... but I just can't do it, because I can't see myself listening to this disc more than a handful more times. It's not clicking with me. So close... so close. I really want these guys to just nail it one day. (6/10)
Running time - 48:05, Tracks: 12
[Notable tracks: What is Beauty?, Theory of Relativity, Beyond Fate]
The End Records - http://www.theendrecords.com

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