Search - Saxon Shore :: Four Months of Darkness

Mellow but provocative

Warren C. Moore III | Huntsville, AL United States | 02/22/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard Saxon live at a tiny venue in north Alabama and knew they were something special. Before continuing, allow me to put on the CD and go track by track to express the rich flavor the band has to offer in this short release.First thing you should know is that this is an instrumental album, so if you're not the kind of person for whom strong music evokes strong feeling, you won't get the poignancy that really defines these guys (see also Josh Tillman's solo stuff - amazing).The opening (title) track begins with a rather somber melody, gradually infused with a steady drum beat, builds with layered riffs, and, after a slight lull, explodes with soaring guitar lines that you can sing along with, finishing along the same humble and thoughtful stream in which it began.Track two, Amber Ember..., is a higher-energy (and much shorter) piece that consummates the band's paradoxical airy yet down-to-earth atmosphere (this might be the result of poor eql in the studio, but it still feels good). Tambourine and chime effects carry a strong selection to an abrupt but not inappropriate end.Track three weighs in at eight and a half minutes and packs a wide variety of lovely nuances. No details necessary. It's good like everything else.Secret Fire,... revives the action in the album with a song that opens with a charismatic guitar selection, gradually shrinks to a constant cymbal hit and repeated guitar line, and then builds with distortion and more aggressive drumwork through the second third, finishing with an echo of the earlier guitar part over an ambient white noise background, played on a piano.Side by Side... sounds like a track that belongs in the falling action scenes of a chick flick, where the Heroine and Generic Male Figure look across the conflict and realize that, indeed, they were made for each other. I wouldn't say I have a clear vision of this scene in my head, and indeed it's of a vapid illustration to describe the song. On the technical side, the same meandering guitar lines that are so distinctive and yet subtle at the same time are again accompanied by chimes and straight snare hits, and the bass line is most the most distinct here among all the songs. The ending may be a bit too long, with what sounds like a synth accordion accompanying the acoustic guitar to a somnatic close. Good to fall asleep to, though.In all, this is a good album. It doesn't quite capture the feel of the live show, which was stunning, but it's much more portable and accessible, and through high-quality headphones, each tiny detail is a joy to the ears. A definite recommendation."

Work your way up

LewisP | New York | 05/17/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I love Saxon Shore and this CD is very good. However, if your a first time buyer of Saxon Shore music don't start with this one. As great as the Cd is, it does not represent just how awesome this band really is. Work your way up starting with "Luck will not save us... to the exquisite Death... then onto this one. Enjoy."

Check This Out - Amazing!

firewhale | Madison, WI United States | 11/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw these guys live (opening for Rosie Thomas and Damien Jurado) and they blew the place up...many of the people that were there for RT and DJ were a bit thrown off...I just sat there stunned...they are incredible live...go see 'em when they are near you. The album doesn't capture the intensity of their live show (the drummer plays the drums harder live than I've ever seen anyone play before), but it improves with repeated listenings...also the the live stuff on their site saxonshore.com is definitely worth a download. I know I'm gushing, but I really like these guys that much."