An Incredible Work of Art

Releasing a high quality EP is like hitting a bullseye in darts. Actually, several of them.

In a row.

See, there can't be filler on an EP. A lot of LPs out there in the world are actually better suited as EPs with all the junk removed. Think about it: how many times in your life have you listened to an album and thought, "Some of those songs really hit the mark, but there were about three songs I could have done without."

Well, Twilight Revival's eponymous EP is five, no-doubt bullseyes.

With such a small collection of songs, there is no room for error. Every song on this album is a well crafted and thought out piece of art. However, while each is unique and brilliant on its own, when put together they fit like the pieces of a complex puzzle to form a bigger, more beautiful piece of art ? a complete album, no matter the length. From the ironically upbeat "Dark as Sin" to the haunting musical beauty of "Intelligence Man," the band shows its range. "So Far Away" is one of the more pained and sad songs I've heard in a while. This album accomplishes what so many cannot: it ended, and not only did I want to listen to it again, I wanted more, because I know this band can keep writing and recording songs at this high level.

I find too many albums today are missing one thing ? and it?s actually the most important thing: soul. This five song EP has more soul than most of the mainstream albums I?ve heard recently. It?s as if each song gets you into the head and hearts of the band and its creative process and you can actually feel their emotion coming out of your speakers. Bands looking to use more than lyrics and voice inflection to convey emotion need to listen to not only the instruments in Twilight Revival but also their arrangement. In younger bands, it?s extremely rare to hear this level of complexity and range of emotion coming from anything other than the lead singer.

Bands like Twilight Revival are what pull people in to a music scene. Too many people in the city are unaware of the goldmine of musical talent right under their noses. With the proper exposure and continued craftsmanship at this level of quality, the Chicago music scene will explode with this band and a few others leading the charge.