It’s funny how music can change. It’s so malleable; you could hear it in one setting and hate it, vowing to never again let such filth invade your eardrums again. I’m referring to sonic pop by the way. Then, you could hear it at a different time, in a different situation, a different artist and see something in it that you never considered. It’s not just to down to peer pressure, either. You could be listening to a song on repeat in the morning that by night time you can’t stand. Basically, music isn’t just a meal in itself, to really enjoy it you need to be in the right frame of mind, as well as a situation where you can enjoy it. Today the latest 5 song EP by Escher’s Enigma floated across my desk entitled From me to There. Combining 90s alternative rock sounds with lush acoustic pop arrangements, these songs are about the relationship between self and world – lovers past and present, fate, and fantasy. Escher’s Enigma is a project currently comprised of father/son duo Russ and Brian Miller. They produce original acoustic pop, arena rock and contemporary rock music as well as covers of classic rock and pop songs. When I turned on Escher’s Enigma I actually did not expect what I heard. I probably wasn’t giving them the best chance for success as I must be honest. Some more modern Contemporary Pop artists are a bit over the top about their sonic mixing and in your face sound quality and cheesy writing style. Not that there’s anything wrong with modern Pop, it just feels as if they are selling something under a false pretence lacking a real and genuine sense of musical inspiration. They are going through the motions. How ironic music lacks inspiration. Where am I going with this? None of the above applies to Connecticut based Escher’s Enigma. As I drifted in and out of uncomfortable sleep, hazy static and sporadic bursts of music punctuated my dreams I realized this artist believes every note he played, wrote and sang. I played this EP probably 4 times and despite the brutal sludgy of the Brooklyn traffic there was something on many of this 5 track collection that soothed my inner skepticism. On the second listen, slightly more conscious this time, I began to pick out the sounds between Alternative greats like Deep Blue Something, R.E.M., Talking Heads, Barenaked Ladies, and They Might Be Giants. However there is also a pop quality to the pieces as well. Bending elements of Classic Pop, Singer/Songwriter and Alternative Rock one can’t help but fall madly in love with Escher’s Enigma. Top Tracks: Drowning in Time, and Choice. Criticism: more vocal harmonies and solo segments please. Some aspects of the EP sound a bit repetitive. Some vocal lessons may not hurt either. From me to There by Escher’s Enigma delivers a crisp sounding EP teaser. No matter what state you’re in the songs will make a lasting impression. From me to There manages to satisfy on all accounts. The mix of instrumental precision and concentrated themes meshed with heartfelt vocals, amazing guitar, guitar solos, piano, organ and strings making for some top quality Pop-Rock that’s soothing to the soul. Escher’s Enigma will free your mind. I was sold on Escher’s Enigma during the first few seconds of “Choice”. This EP is about freedom folks. It’s these types of artists that make it all the way to the top of our hearts and charts. Having said that From me to There by Escher’s Enigma is not far from groundbreaking. Not far at all.
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Bethany Page edited by Janne Zawa
Review comments: jannezawa@gmail.com
