Capturing the Spirit of Early U2
Ryan Smith, Splendid E-Zine
Okay, bear with me here. The first few times I popped Aura into the stereo I was overcome by thoughts of a band capturing the spirit and channeling the vibe of early U2. Lead vocalist/guitarist Lee Harding has some powerful pipes that convey a bit of Bono's exotic flair. Opener "Cold Glass" nails Under a Blood Red Sky's stadium-rock ambiance, capturing The Edge's shimmering guitar, a slightly dated vocal echo effect and even some of the requisite do-do-do-do lyrical content.
There's an understated charisma here that'll draw you into the music. "Sooner or Later" suggests the intriguing image of The Smiths as fronted by Mark Lanegan. That's it -- let it soak in, listen to the clip for "Candles for Matches" again, check out "Sooner or Later" on the Boombox, then jump to the band's web site and pick up the album. The image and accompanying sound isn't sustained throughout the album, but there are unmistakable glimpses of the acoustic-flavored Lanegan; just check out "Moonlight Divine" and listen for the Johnny Marr-esque guitar licks that echo (pardon the pun) throughout Aura.
Aura's polished production suits the band's expansive sound well; these guys rock, but in a very structured and radio-friendly way. The sound is definitely commercial; there's little chance of Echo Revolution being mistaken for an emo band, although they might run into a few confused individuals who see the band name and the dark album artwork and expect heavy metal. They won't find metal, but a wealth of expressive vocals and addictive pop-rock hooks. Indeed, it's a shame that Echo Revolution's sound isn't selling on radio these days; Echo Revolution are too "produced" for the indie set, and may be too original and talented for the masses.

There's a new "Echo" in town!
Geanine Towers, Gods of Music
I am so pleased to hear this track. This is an "Echo" quite different to the one who played with the Bunnymen. Not the "Lips Like Sugar" and "Bring on the Dancing Horses" will ever lose their appeal for me, but, it's nice to hear some *happy* energy going on for rock-and-rollers.

This song is so charismatic that I can't stop listening to it. I heard it once a couple of months ago, when I was asked to review it, and remember loving it then. Then I put it on the shelf (sorry guys) while I took care of some other details in my life. I'm back to it again, and grooving to the extraordinarily simple mix of shuffle-percussion, bass, (and is that a fiddle playing or some kind of wind instrument - alto sax? Anyway, whatever instrument it is, it does a lovely Middle Eastern turn in the solo). And that great talking sing-song voice, with lots of core and charisma. The bass and the mumbling between vocal lines are so reminiscent of Cake that I can hear them. The chord changes and guitar crushes at the end of the vocal lines remind me a little of Steely Dan in places... and they end with a very Beatles chord... hold on, I have to figure it out...E9?

I love the words in this song, as well.
"There was more than subtle motive to the claims..." "She was getting to the gooey caramel core, and I'm sore!" "The night was long, till the gleaming hostess was gone... we never wrote her name, cause it was never spelled the same..."

I can't say enough about the satisfying, simple, happy-sounding sound "the new Echo" have created in this song. I simply don't have the musical vocabulary. This is one of the very the best tracks that I've reviewed so far.


Pushing the Boundaries
Ron, ProgNaut.com
Echo Revolution, a 3 piece alternative rock band from San Diego (California) combines mainstream style with a progressive flare. Their brand of music doesn’t fall under the traditional prog but rather the modern style. Similar to what Radiohead, Coldplay, Porcupine Tree and PO90 is doing.

While their music is not overly complex, they do make music with one goal, being artistic. The way it should be by adding elements of what progressive rock is truly about. To me, they push the boundaries and subsequentually could cause them to be overlooked. by the mainstream media. However, they will always have a place in the progressive world at large, especially for those who enjoy song based music.

Please check these guys out, you won’t regret it!



Hi! ... TOTALLY LOVE the CD!!!
Lord Litter (Germany)
...releases like yours are the reason why I'm doing all this...unique timeless music... the CD was immediately put on the *keep forever* pile!!

 

contact: us@echorevolution.com