Shock Of Daylight＜Clear Vinyl＞

All Fall Down was a dark record that resulted in the Sound parting ways with the WEA-distributed Korova. The stark, anti-commercial LP received no form of promotion -- the label even considered not issuing it at all. After its release, the band spent several months away from the music business, feeling drained. Adrian Borland and company even considered stopping permanently. Four years of hard work had landed them nowhere, aside from critical acclaim and a clutch of accomplished records. Thankfully they decided against throwing in the towel and opted to focus only on making good records as they saw fit. After discussion with several majors, the band signed on with the smaller, independent Statik (A&M released the EP in the States as a one-off). Refreshed, the Sound churned out Shock of Daylight, an EP yielding a brighter outlook, but not forsaking their knack for moody textures and subtleties. Borland's lyrics are their most positively romantic, not hokey. Pat Collier's production is clear, ringing, and rhythmically thick without being muddled. Bookended by two of the Sound's top songs, "Golden Soldiers" carries as much heft as any Echo and the Bunnymen hit, exuding confidence without chest beating; "Dreams Then Plans" is carried by the explosive and dynamic chorus, hitting like a swift kick to the gut. The four songs sandwiched between those two highlights are strong as well -- none of the EP's 25 minutes are lost on the ear. Outstanding, fearless, and direct, it's no wonder the Sound felt alive and kicking, evidenced by the following year's Heads and Hearts. ~ Andy Kellman