The Four Trees＜Colored Vinyl＞

Originally released on CD on Dopamine, and later as an absolutely gorgeous double-disc gatefold Mylene Sheath vinyl issue, which truly re-establishes the pre-digital connection between the art of the music and the visual splendor of a great sleeve package. It sounds like the analog mastering is no cheapo job, either -- a single album spread over two discs to insure maximum fidelity -- perfect for a wondrously ethereal debut album by this greater-Boston (Beverly, MA) instrumental quintet. With shoegaze dissonance, feedback gales, glistening guitars, thrusting drums, and throbbing vistas, Caspian is some whitecap sea between Henry Frayne's equally commanding Lanterna, the Dears without vocals, "She Calls" Slowdive, and "View from a Hill" Chameleons. You feel like you're skiing pristine Alps or investigating Greenland glaciers on The Four Trees, its chilly beauty as imposing and unassailable as an IMAX Antarctica movie. ~ Jack Rabid