What more perfect way to start off the Infinite Vinyl Series from The End Records than with a 7" from the almighty Agalloch? "The Death of Man (Version III)" is a remixed alternate version from the original sessions from "The Mantle" album - using acoustic guitars, calm keyboards, and hugely resonant percussion to start off, then gradually introducing some distant distorted guitars and bells. The flowing tempo is as powerful as ever and makes for a soothing instrumental piece. "Tomorrow Will Never Come" is on side B: An unreleased track also recorded at the time of "The Mantle" that starts with melodic acoustic melodies (finger-picked) and leads into some more obscure, dissonant chords with a manipulated vocal sample that plays at a lower pitch, and some sinister keyboard tones. As the guitars start to layer and work together the composition becomes quite moving. The sample is almost disruptive on a few occasions but it is important for the atmosphere of the track. For a 7" this thing sounds amazing. The recording is pristine in sound quality with stunning detail and tonal range, absolutely perfect... and it's pressed on superb quality vinyl from the Czech Republic. The 7" (pressed on opaque white vinyl) comes in a black and white sleeve with a very consistent appearance utilizing large photographs of stone faces. The outer sleeve has a high gloss finish while the inner spread has a matte finish - the left panel being hand-numbered out of a mere 500 copies. I'm not sure how quickly these are selling, but I have a feeling that the Infinite Vinyl division of The End Records is going to pick up steam rather quickly, so act fast if you're interested. I know that I ordered this the very second I found out it had been released. And Agalloch has yet to disappoint me, so of course I recommend this EP.
[Infinite Vinyl]
Running time - 12:00 (approximately), Tracks: 2
[Notable tracks: both are very nice]
Infinite Vinyl Series - http://www.theendrecords.com
