5 EP＜限定盤＞

Slowdive's 5 EP becomes rather redundant for Slowdive fans who own the U.S. edition of Souvlaki, since that edition adds all three B-sides from this EP to the full-length album. "In Mind" is the only non-album track; it's a mysterious soundscape of drumbeats, cymbals that sound like sleigh bells, lush keyboard washes, and beautiful vocals from Rachel Goswell. "Good Day Sunshine" leans far closer to Brian Eno's early ambient albums, which is entirely appropriate since Eno worked on treatments and played keyboards on a couple of songs on Souvlaki. The song shimmers and sways with a feel similar to Michael Brook's infinite guitar-based songs. "Missing You" is moodier, sounding like Gary Numan on a rainy day. With its drum machine and wailing keyboards, it's more of a mood piece than a traditional song, suggesting more Eno influence. "Country Rain" is a return to a more traditional, if minimalist, song structure. Bittersweet vocals and slow guitar motifs blend to create a feeling similar to Mazzy Star's "Fade Into You," released just a few months before this EP. Goswell's repeated vocals of "the rain keeps on falling in my heart" make for quite a sad song. Slowdive don't do anything new with 5 EP, as they were always apt to fall back into their influences, but as always, their music is quite touching and brittle here. ~ Tim DiGravina