Five long years after their formation from the ashes of Mineral, the Gloria Record finally offers their first full-length release, Start Here. Musically, it boasts a substantial progression from previous work, but is too tentative to stake out new territory. Departing from the post-emo pop contrived by Mineral, and echoed in the band's past two EPs, Start Here displaces raw, overstated melodies with beautifully orchestrated but often aimless, evanescent arrangements. Simpson's frayed earnest vocals evidence a tighter reign over melody, but lend little solidarity to the music. Each song is softened and obscured until they meld into a single stream of ambiguity, with the exception of the more notable anthems, "I Was Born in Omaha" and "Ascension Dream." While Start Here is indeed a worthy addition to the Gloria Record catalogue, it leaves little to perch on the tongue when the disc stops spinning.
Editors' ratings - Doug 4/5, Jason 3/5
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2002Reviewed by Chris BrownThere's a certain cruel irony in a band that's made fans wait for long, long years for their debut album, offering only a pair of tantalizingly short EPs to tide them over, and then titling said album Start Here. But then, that's probably the point. For those unfamiliar with the band, The Gloria Record was one of three acts to rise from the ashes of the late, lamented Mineral -- the others being…Similar sounding releases
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