Dyonisis - Blue Shift E.P. (2008)
Independent Release
Review by Tony Cannella
I was a big fan of the self-titled debut from the U.K.'s Dyonisis, so I was very excited when I recieved a copy of the their new EP Blue Shift (especially because I had no idea about its release). As mentioned, this is an EP and it is designed as a bridge to their next full-length, but at 38 minutes long it is obviously longer than your average EP. Before getting into the music, I'll re-introduce the band members to you. Lou Welsby (vocals), Nel Cave (vocals), Marcus Cave (bass) and Tom Chaffer (guitars & programming).
So, with that out of the way, on to the music. Is this release any good? Is it worthwhile? Absolutely, I can say "Yes, it is" on both counts.
The CD begins with the first new track called Abyss and immediately I am reminded why I loved the first CD so much. It starts of with some cool keyboard effects and then goes into a beautifully melancholic, ethereal number. Next is another new one - at least for Dyonisis. Son Of A Preacher Man is a cover song (I believe it was originally recorded by British pop singer Dusty Springfield). I had never heard the original version so I can only say that Dyonisis' version fits right in there with the rest of their catalog. The new song Let Go is next and it is a somber track that has an acoustic base to it and it really takes you on a sublime journey. Of the new songs, this is probably my favorite - even though it's a slower number, it is still plenty powerful and emotional. Next up is the first of two re-mixes. Pretty At A Distance was perhaps my favorite song on the debut and the Blue Shift re-mix does nothing to sway my overall enjoyment of the song. It's a bit different than the original, but it is still very good. The next new song is Shamania a mostly instrumental track that adds to the overall atmosphere and ambiance of the CD. The final track is another re-mix. This time of the 10 minute long Rainy Day. The new version now clocks in at, oh only a mere 16 minutes and it is a perfect way to conclude things. As with the other re-mix, this one (dubbed the Psychedelic Kitchen Sink Mix) is a strong alternate take on another fantastic song. Even though this lasts 6 minutes longer than the original version, it never gets dull and really holds your attention.
The Blue Shift e.p. is a very satisfying release that should hold us over until Dyonisis releases their next CD. It has indeed raised my level of excitement for their next full-length. Hopefully, we won't have too long to wait. This is only limited to 200 copies so I would suggest that fans of the band scoop theirs up before they are all gone. In conclusion, Dyonisis are a band that are consistent, dynamic, interesting and just flat out good. They are everything I could want in a band.
Rating: 8.5/10
Tracklist :
- Abyss
- Son Of A Preacher Man
- Let Go
- Pretty At A Distance (Blue Shift Remix)
- Shamania
- Rainy Day (Psychedelic Kitchen Sink Mix)
Line Up :
- Lou Welsby - Vocals
- Nel Cave - Vocals
- Marcus Cave - Bass
- Tom Chaffer - Guitars, Programming
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