Early Cross - Pathfinder
CD Info
2013
Lion Music / Finland
7 Tracks
English Lyrics
What do you think of when you hear the term "landscape rock"? Sure, it’s not a commonly used genre name, but maybe you can imagine what it might sound like. What if I told you that landscape rock is melodic and textured, and concentrates on a mature blending of vocals and music? You won’t hear powerhouse singing, blast-beat drumming, or massive riffs. Instead, the ethereal, transportive vocals capture the listener’s emotions and imagination; and the guitars carve out atmospheres rather than simply delivering rhythm and typical leads. Autumn’s Cold Comfort, Anathema’s Weather Systems and We’re Here Because We’re Here, and The Gathering’s past few albums are all great examples of landscape rock. Of course, none of those bands actually call their music by that term – but Japanese newcomers Early Cross do. And if you like any of the previously mentioned bands or albums, you should consider adding Early Cross’s inspiring debut album, Pathfinder, to your collection.
On Pathfinder, Early Cross marries elements from the gothic, folk, progressive, and atmospheric realms to present a heavy, evocative rock style with carefully crafted songs and entrancing vocals. Natasha Vaichuk’s smooth, emotive voice draws in the listener the same way that the voices of Anneke van Giersbergen and Autumn’s Marjan Welman do. Vaichuk, who is of Ukranian and Japanese heritage, also brings a unique presence with a natural, Oriental vocal flutter. The songs themselves on Pathfinder unfold gradually for the listener, much like how Anathema have arranged their music on their past two albums. (Coincidentally, Christer-André Cederberg and Chris Sansom, who both worked on Anathema’s Weather Systems, also helped with the mixing and mastering of Pathfinder.) This opens up the music and allows the instruments and melodies to sculpt impressive soundscapes that we rarely hear from bands on their first record.
The opening notes of Pathfinder set the tone right away. "Ashes & Yarrow" bursts in with echoing, descending guitar lines over a calm tempo. At first, you’d swear you’re listening to The Gathering’s Mandylion or Nighttime Birds albums. But once the mellotron-accented verses and Vaichuk’s serene vocals breeze in, it’s clear that another band is working this familiar magic. Early Cross carries on this methodical balance between rock and ambiance throughout Pathfinder. "Hymn To The Fallen" glides between foreboding gothic metal, acoustic melancholy, and harmony-laden rock. The track’s unconventional structure makes it unpredictable yet able to pull at the heartstrings. "The Fog" brings back the mellotron to deliver the ballad’s rustic, unforgettable hook. Earnest riffs, a gritty instrumental, and a stirring performance from Vaichuk make this an outstanding choice to close out the record.
Early Cross also picks up the pace a few times during Pathfinder. "Ashes & Yarrow" and the more acoustic "Cairn" begin slow, then kick up in tempo halfway through. "Cry Havoc," on the other hand, is driving prog rock from start to finish. Hiroaki Kato’s reverberating guitar chords tie in the track with the rest of the album without siphoning off any energy. And then there’s "The Pilgrimage," which climbs through tranquil terrain before breaking into a more urgent, progressive run. The 14-minute tour de force feels like its namesake, as any track of that length should; and with its tempo changes and the alternations between electric and acoustic, it’s a gratifying experience.
The same can be said about Pathfinder as a whole. I’ve listened to this album constantly over the past few weeks –not just because I volunteered to review it, but also because it keeps growing on me. This kind of rich developed, immersive rock/metal can leave a profound effect on any listener who’s willing to take the journey. I do, however, have two minor critiques on Pathfinder. First, the couple spoken-word passages on this record are unnecessary. I don’t mind the one on "The Fog" so much, but the rambling over one section halfway through "The Pilgrimage" distracts the listener too easily from the music. Second, seven songs aren’t enough! What Early Cross delivers on Pathfinder is so promising that the album’s ending at 48 minutes feels premature. The band certainly could have fit in one or two more tracks if they had additional ones to choose from.
A musical cliffhanger is a good thing, though. It means you already want to hear more from that artist; and Early Cross surpasses this goal with Pathfinder. Vaichuk’s vocals, Kato’s guitarwork, the contrasts between the organic and synthesized sounds, and the wandering yet purposeful nature of each track show just how important good songwriting and thoughtful execution can be in making music. It may have taken Early Cross about 10 years to get to this point (the band formed in 2002). However, it takes time and intelligence to master this kind of rock magic. Also, with most Japanese female-fronted bands playing J-rock, symphonic metal, power metal, or extreme metal, it’s wonderful to hear Early Cross doing something unique. Maybe that’s why they chose to call this album Pathfinder. They’ve found their own way to fuse genres and borrow from their influences while creating a distinct sound – and the results of their exploration will take your breath away.
9 / 10
Best Songs: "The Fog," "Cry Havoc," "Hymn To The Fallen"
Highly recommended for fans of The Gathering, Lacuna Coil, Autumn, Anathema, Porcupine Tree, and Amorphis
Pathfinder will be available in Europe via Lion Music on February 14, 2013. Visit Early Cross’s Facebook page or Lion Music’s Pathfinder promo page for more information.
