The Black Heart Procession - Fish the Holes on Frozen Lakes
(Galaxia)
Fish the Holes on Frozen Lakes is The Black Heart Procession's 2nd 3 song EP
in six months. While the previous EP (creatively titled 3 Song Recording)
seemed to be very much in line with what the band was doing on their previous
full length, 2, this EP seems more to be experiments the band developed into
songs that probably wouldn't fit well on a full length album beside their usual
MO.
The first song is different in that its lead instruments are trumpet,
accordian, and violin. The song is very similar to the mariachi-style
music Calexico toys with. While Calexico seems to be striving for some sort
of authenticity in sound to true mariachi bands, The Black Heart Procession
seems to be just interested in using the tools to create their usual
soundscape; the similarity in style is merely a byproduct. The violin in
the song adds a gypsy vibe to make the song interesting, at least, but on
its own the song wouldn't garner too many repeat listens.
The second and third songs are merged into one on the CD version, which makes
you wonder whether this really is, as the cover specifies, a 3 song recording.
The epic nature of this merged track is part of what separates it from the rest
of The Black Heart Procession's material.
The second song (the title track) is the highlight of this EP. The song
uses organ and piano for melody. The beginning of the song is fuller and more
piano-driven, using clusters of bass beats and the saw to create a spooky
aura. The song wallows and broods, accented by cries from occasional trumpet
flourishes, building up to the somber, spiteful vocals. Eventually the song
quiets and the vocals stop, leaving only the saw and the clusters of bass
beats which lead into a short section of the song which is quieter
and organ-driven.
The third song starts, I assume, about 12 minutes into the track when the
song decomposes from the organ-driven portion into a surge of grumbling noises
set atop the saw's ghostly howl, sounding as if it's straight from the
soundtrack of a horror movie. The noises eventually die down as more
mariachi-style music is brought in, existing completely in the background.
I guess you could say these 3 songs are really just 1 piece since the return
of the trumpets here creates a sort of recurring theme between all 3 "songs."
On its own, this third song is nothing special, but it makes for a nice end to
the 12 minutes built up by the second song.
Ultimately, I find this EP more rewarding than the previous one. The previous
EP was sort of ho hum -- three more Black Heart songs, none really that special.
For diehards a treat, but for casual fans not really worth it. This EP, at
least, is more interesting. This would be a great pickup at CD Single price
(like the previous EP was sold as), but at 21 minutes and $8, it is more of a
close call.
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