Search - Soul Whirling Somewhere :: Hope Was

NOT a real snoozer

gillettecourt | 05/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is sadcore with a dark ambient twist. If you truly understand this genre of music, you will know that this is not boring stuff. If your heart and/or life is in complete shambles, this CD will move you more than you can possibly imagine. If you are not an emotional person who loves heartbreakingly beautiful music and lyrics, then do not buy this. Nothing really compares to this album, but for comparison's sake, I'd say it's like a darker and much more depressing version of American Music Club's "Everclear" or the Red House Painters' "Down Colorful Hill" or "Rollercoaster". Yes, I said it. "How can it possibly be more depressing than those albums?" you say to yourself. Well, I guess you'll just have to see for yourself. Basically, if you are the type of person I described above, you will not regret buying this. It is truly a masterpiece, and the only double-disc recording I can easily listen to all the way through. If I had to complain about something, I'd say that there are a couple of songs that seem a bit superfluous. BUT, Michael Plaster's beautifully expressed emotion comes through in his music and lyrics on every track. No song falls short of its intended mark. It is, by far, my favorite CD(s), with too many highlights to list. If you're still unsure about purchasing it, look at the song titles. If they speak to you in the slightest bit, you should buy this."

Beautifully sad and wonderful

Josh | Boston, NY USA | 09/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Two discs of slow-paced, low-key songs about the end of a relationship and not wanting to let go. The 2 hours of music presented here can be very emotionally draining when listened to in one sitting, and I think that's the point. Michael Plaster actually forces you to feel what he is going through using slow acoustic guitar and somewhat sparse production in addition to his beautifully honest vocals. This is an album that has the ability to move you to tears.While the album mostly works as a whole rather than seperate songs, there are a few standout tracks, mostly on disc 2..the best being "The Last Time I Left", one of the few tracks on the album with drums. Its simple piano and vocals truly express the sadness and denial within the lyrics.This is an album that shouldn't be overlooked. Stark, haunting, beautiful.."

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Josh | 06/25/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"hello self absorption! one need only to read the song titles to know what this is all about. i think its kind of melodramatic, but others might really get into this. the music, as on all SWS records is fantastic. beautifully written and executed. the lyrics... like i said, just look at the song titles. if you are new to SWS, get "eating the sea", michael's true masterpiece."