The Myriad

Every now and then, the hype machine gets it right. Ever since winning the “Dew Circuit Breakout” on MTV2, The Myriad have been subject to all the publicity they could have asked for. On top of having already filmed their first video for the track “A Clean Shot,” not to mention the bonus exposure through video games and more television, and The Myriad is faced with the arduous task of justifying the hype. And this time, for a change, that’s just what this exciting young band does, creating an album full of creative sound, built around an epic vibe, that totally deserves the accolades it receives.

‘Epic’ is perhaps the best way to define this effort from the Seattle-based band. On their own, the songs are fine but taking the time for a full listen, allowing the tracks to work together in their entirety, is definitely the way to go here, not unlike listening to Pink Floyd’s The Wall or David Crowder Band’s A Collision. With virtually seamless segues and a flowing narrative that blends things together neatly, a dynamic and enjoyable listening experience is had for all.

“Grandfather Clock” gets things off on the right foot, letting lead singer Jeremy Edwardson’s solid vocal to drive things, buoyed by John Schofield’s driving bass lines with a Brit-rock appeal. The track totally sets the stage for what is to come, kick starting the journey into gear with sheer goodness. “Get on the Plane” naturally emerges from there, offering up intriguing melodies and a sing-along chorus that benefits from some killer guitar work by all involved.

“Forget What You Came For” shakes things up with subtle piano and which combines with various sonic structures, resulting in some very interesting textures. “A Clean Shot” and “The Accident” follow with radio-ready sounds while “The Holiest of Thieves” returns to its version of art-rock with faint echoes of Anathallo. “A Thousand Winters Melting” is simply a great rock song, it’s simple verse merging into the epic chorus of “Love, love, a thousand winters melting/Love, yes love/You wrap your arms around me/There’s a thousand ways you love me/And a thousand times you’ve shown me.”

“Polar Bears and Shark Fins” brings things down a bit, showcasing yet more piano that results in a layered, near ethereal sound before ebbing into the even more subdued “Throwing Punches”, replete with some creative programming. With “Don’t Let Them See You” reigniting the flame, pushing things back toward the upbeat, with some passionate vocals, throbbing percussion, and roaring guitars, closers “Braver Than the Rest” and thoughtful “Stuck in a Glass Elevator” offer up a fitting end to the tale.

The Myriad’s With Arrows, With Poise is a superb effort and one that should cause some heads to turn. With their unique formula of sonic experimentation, lyrical expression, and great playing, The Myriad have crafted one of the best albums of 2008 thus far.

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