Shipping News - Carrier EP
(Quarterstick)
Growing from a desire to expand their song writing approaches, Kyle Crabtree, Jeff Mueller, and
Jason Noble came up with the idea of each recording 3 solo songs without the input or help of
the other members. Three CDs would be released (10/23/01 - 2/19/02 - 06/04/02), each
containing 1 song from the respective members of the band. Carrier, the newest Shipping
News release, is the first part in this 3 part series.
While the aforementioned idea is an interesting one, it is also the kind of thing that usually seems
better on paper than on CD. Luckily for us and them, each member of the Shipping
News seems to have a lot of skill in individual song writing. "Sickening Bridge Versus Horrible
Bed," Crabtrees' submission is surprising, very "singer/songwriter," combing a simple strummed
guitar, with another guitar mostly playing harmonics and slides with double-tracked low-key
vocals.
"Paper Lanterns," Noble's contribution is nothing short of great. Thick, slow-moving, repetitive
bass riffs and simple drums push the recording to the maximum, distorting with every pulse. As
the hypnotic riffs draw you in, a picked guitar comes in with below-the-radar vocals, and
keyboards jerk in and out of the mix creating a perfect mix of Noble's Per Mission and prior
Shipping News song writing.
The last track on the EP is Mueller's submission, and it is equally as amazing as Noble's.
"Cock-a-doodle-do" is an instrumental and the perfect mix of the prettier Rodan songs and the early June
of 44 songs, the multiple guitar parts counteracting and complimenting at the same time.
Not only is the music on this EP nearly perfect, but it is a really interesting idea, beautifully hand
packaged (including stitching) by the band, and most importantly, limited to 1000. SO, rush to
the mailbox and order yourself a copy. You won't regret it.
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