Angel Eyes - ...And for a Roof a Sky full of Stars

After being doused in NeurIsis/instru-metal/post-metal the past few years, I took a break from the genre for a while. Upon hearing Chicago's Angel Eyes, I realize my problem has been not with the message, but the messengers. This is exactly how this stuff should be done - smart, emotional, directed; none of this "eight minute songs for the sake of eight minute songs" nonsense. On their latest EP, Angel Eyes have a grand total of two tracks (which they didn't bother to name) sprawling across nearly 27 minutes.

One (excerpt)
Two (excerpt)

It's almost all gold. Angel Eyes are like if Mono were doomier, with hardcore screaming for vocals. The vocals are a little harsh for the material, but they mostly stay out of the way. Guitars are the meat here, with Mono-style tremolo picking and delicate melodies (even the EP's title is Mono-esque). But they also drop proper heaviness, balancing out the upper register. The riffs flow smoothly and subtlely; I'm amazed that musicians can keep it together so long, both compositionally and performance-wise. The EP comes in a cool cardboard sleeve with lyrics printed on the inside. I am burned out on this sound, but when it's done this well, it's still a joy to hear.

...And for a Roof is available for cheap at Underground Communique, No Idea, and Aquarius Records.

Members of Angel Eyes keep a blog here.