ALBUM REVIEW: The Fragile Light Of Fireflies – Evadne
With many of the best tracks that grab us having begun as simple acoustic ideas. Fragile ideas that have been built upon that then morph into something altogether encapsulating with grand instrumentation of powerful walls of sound. Riffs, melodies and rhythms are all bound up in humble beginnings. Many times, the acoustic roots are still prevalent in the finished track. So much so that many artists choose to release bonus versions of specific tracks that hold their own weight once the full production and electric power has been stripped back. Some bands take on entire acoustic reproductions of some of their most well-known tracks and release a compilation. While in some instances this could be possibly dismissed as trying too hard and being overbearing in a musical approach.
EVADNE have been able to hold true to their vision and as such have produced an entirely acoustic rendition of their excellent 2021 album The Pale Light Of Fireflies. Within this album, engrossing melodies are mixed with moments of crushing heaviness and successfully conveyed the emotive sensitivities of doom metal. Now, The Fragile Light Of Fireflies, takes on a new direction. Entirely acoustic in its delivery, yet the passioned intensity is still ever present. There is a delicate balance to their melancholic doom.
Right from the opening, Shadows, there is a tenderness that is borne out not just by the acoustic instrumentation but the overall soundscape of the composition. Weaving an engaging melody is part and parcel of the genre within which EVADNE operate. Previous albums of theirs have highlighted how adept they are at it and this direction only serves to amplify that. Far from being toothless, it underpins the emotional bite that they can create. For an opening track, it is beguiling and addictive.
Under Blessed Skies continues the journey. Weaving more enthralling elements to accentuate the graceful elegance of the opening track. The line mentioning dreamscapes is entirely apt. It’s a phrase that can be extrapolated to describe the entirety of this album. Dreamy and delicate. Atmosphere building as the melodic path twists and turns. Other tracks from The Pale Light Of Fireflies that carried a greater weight in that album, still retain their grand presence here. Tracks like Ablaze Dawn Eyes and Silhouettes Of A Faceless Sun held a crushing power. The instrumentation combining to create a wall of doom drenched sound that is utterly engrossing. Now with the bones laid bare, the power is still there, the force of the songwriting is just as commanding. Yet the subtleties are heightened, there is greater depth on display. Due to this, far from limiting the dominance, the passion gets pushed to the fore and the tracks sound equally as formidable.
If this is the first introduction for some to these tracks. It is apparent that, while there is an undeniable vulnerability on display within The Fragile Light Of Fireflies. There is a weight to the music that alludes to the metal credentials of the band. The aforementioned emotional bite is only part of the story.
This is an excellent album. Presenting a wealth of depth and passion. The Fragile Light Of Fireflies is aptly named; there is a fragility to the compositions and delicate nature to the song structures. However, EVADNE have made an album that commands rapt attention purely because of this. It has a transportive nature, ideal for taking time to appreciate fully and get lost in the melodies. For those that may not have been aware of it’s electrified twin, this could well be a standalone record in its own right. However, the fact that it is another side of the coin, shows just how powerful EVADNE are as a songwriting force.
Rating: 8/10
The Fragile Light of Fireflies is set for release June 13th via Meuse Music Records.
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