Search - Rainer Maria :: Ears Ring

'Ears Ring'

Kevin | the iron city, pa, usa | 12/11/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Though Amazon seems to have gotten the title wrong, 'Ears Ring' is a greatly anticipated e.p., traveling on the heels of rumors concerning Rainer Maria's ever-evolving sound. Lead guitarist, Kyle Fischer, put it best when confronted with a well-intentioned heckler in Baltimore, "You guys were complaining when we started playing the stuff from our last [album], too. In a few months, we'll come back and you'll be begging to hear these songs." Though perhaps a little cocksure, Fischer's comment may prove true. Rainer Maria has come a long way in the seven years since their formation in 1995, ever-honing their sound but maintaining the lyrical talent and musical dynamic they began with. 'Ears Ring' showcases the newest progression in the first two tracks and still makes room to reminisce over their older styles with the final track, 'Automatic.' The new sound seems to encompass more driving beats and repeated lyrics than rm fans are used to, and relying more heavily on lead singer, Caithlin De Marrais' expanding vocal talent. In the final song, however, it is apparent that Fischer, De Marrais, and (drummer) Bill Kuehn are harping back to a style they haven't used so proficiently since their second full-length album, 'Look Now Look Again.' Though each band grows with every musical effort, Rainer Maria has not forsaken their past, creating a rich weave of colorful tones and textures."