EF

Delusions of Grandeur EP

Written by: DR on 11/01/2013 15:05:56

Over the years EF have sold thousands of records independently, shared the stage with the likes of This Will Destroy You, 65daysofstatic and Red Sparowes, and their third album, "Mourning Golden Morning", was even produced by Magnus Lindberg from Swedish metal legends Cult of Luna. Having been around for almost a decade is impressive enough in itself; more importantly, their music is impressive, too.

After nine years of playing together, EF have got the post-rock genre nailed down and their latest release, "Delusions of Grandeur", is a fine example of that. Despite lasting 'only' 25 minutes, it is as assured as any example of post-rock you're likely to hear. The expected format of rise/fall/crescendo is maintained in the two main compositions, "Delusions of Grandeur" and "I Never Felt This Way Before". But what's impressive about them is that they both clock in at roughly ten minutes, yet neither feel long or unnecessarily drawn-out. This is because, although they're not ground-breaking in their sound or format, they manage to combine different influences and styles of the post-rock spectrum and successfully amalgamate them to form a seamless flow of various shades, textures and dynamics. For instance, opener "Delusions of Grandeur" begins with an exciting Explosions in the Sky-esque ringing, calms down to allow the emotive melancholic vocals room to breathe, before erupting in a soaring horn-driven crescendo. "I Never Felt This Way Before", on the other hand, opens with a somber atmosphere leading to an inspiring spoken-word story in the middle about inner strength, ultimately climaxing with a rousing post-metal-esque finale.

Although it's only 25 minutes and three songs long, "Delusions of Grandeur" is an insight into the grand ability that EF clearly possess. Despite having established themselves in Sweden over the course of their nine year career so far, it's perplexing how the name "EF" is not more recognisable within the greater post-rock community. In any case, though, if you like post-rock in any form then don't skip on this band, EP, or next LP.

Download: I Never Felt This Way Before
For The Fans of: This Will Destroy You, Red Sparowes, Blueneck, Mogwai, Explosions in the Sky
Listen: Facebook

Release Date 28.09.2012
Pelagic Records

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