(Yeah yeah, I know this came out last year. But it's still worth reviewing so sshhh!)
Before San Luis Obispo's Candle released their (so far) defining statement with early 2008's Miles and Miles and Miles, along came this 2007 split single with Iamb, a past musical project of Candle guitarist Ross Major. While very short (three songs), it serves as a nice, succinct demo of what both projects have to offer.
The record kicks off with Iamb's "Three Years" -- part lovestruck drama and surrealist fantasy, driven by a chiming mandolin and wailing slide guitar. Definitely Jeff Mangum-inspired, yet it sheds its more obvious influences to hold together as a great song. The follow-up piece "One Afternoon" is a nice little piece of dreary ambiance, but I almost wish something would be put here with the single-like quality of "Three Years". Nevertheless, it's definitely not terrible and Major resigns quickly enough for the next side of the record.
Candle's "With My Heart" is a powerful testament to what's to come. Shedding the drowsiness of the last Candle release (Birds Were Meant To Fly), singer Kevin Coons pens a perfectly simple, inspired, and earnest lyric married to a very bombastic and sloppily wonderful sing-along melody. This is incredibly satisfying songcraft, and "With My Heart" is a track you will return to again and again.
"Come Back Home" is really meant to be a demo for Miles and Miles and Miles -- a listen to both will gain much understanding of both releases. Many elements here are set in stone for future musical adventures, and it's a true pleasure to follow these guys and to wonder just what they'll be up to next.
www.myspace.com/candlemusic
www.myspace.com/rossmajormusic
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