Discography
The Absent Sounds of Me (1999) 
Consolation of Pianissimo (1997) 
A View of Epic Proportions  (1997) 


 

   Grace Hotel
   Overall rating: +++-    

Album Review

Upon first hearing the wow and flutter of the atmospheric first track mesh
with the urgently upbeat guitar barrage of "Looked For In The First Place,"
one is forced to entertain the idea that this is a totally different Dear
Ephesus.  Taking on a more progressive sound with "The Absent Sounds of Me,"
the band has chewed up and spit out the abundant impurities one may have
heard on "The Consolation of Pianissimo."  Aaron Wiederspahn gives a
much-improved vocal performance over the debut record, but is still able to
maintain the underlying elements of passion and intensity he has become
known for.  Wiederspahn is one of the more expressive performers in modern
rock and roll, taking on a poetic lyrical style akin to the likes of Jeremy
Enigk (Sunny Day Real Estate) and Chris Simpson (Mineral, The Gloria
Record).  His contributions to his band's diverse new album are obvious,
especially in the beautifully hushed "Pinning Dream."  "Ocean Deep"'s
collage of a piano and guitar duet, climaxing into a dramatic chorus
combined with the cries of, "I'll never forget her," is a perfect snapshot
of what the entire album sounds like as a whole: emotive, invigorating
pieces strung together with pieces of Wiederspahn's own heart.  The obtuse
rhythms punctuating the groove of "Blue Day" contrast sharply with the
painful, weeping ballad in "Simpleton."  The diversity among the songs of
"Absent Sounds..." makes the album sit squarely on the genre fence, defying
labels and bordering several styles at one time.  It is too cheerful to be
emo, too pretty to be post-punk, and too dynamic and intricate to be
considered straight-up modern rock...yet it is all three of these, depending
upon which song is playing.  Each track can leave a different emotional
taste in the listener's mouth; Dear Ephesus is clearly shooting for an
innovative sound and, for the most part, succeed.  There are several strong
references to power pop bands such as the Foo Fighters and even Third Eye
Blind, but with "Absent Sounds...", Dear Ephesus shows they have enough
credibility to avoid being just one more mediocre derivative of a tired
radio trend.  It's blue-collar, tearstained pop that proudly wears it's
heart on its sleeve.

~Steve Tudor