Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delightful miniatures unwrapped., April 1, 2007
When A Northern Chorus announced what their 4th album, 'The Millions Too Many', would sound like before being released, it was both an exciting and nervous experience. They mentioned that all 9 songs were to be less than 6 minutes in length, but not to worry- Some of their most complex musical arrangements were sure to be appreciated. And, I must say- These songs get right down to business! After the :45 mark on the opening track, "Carpenter", the band lets loose with an incredible amount of bliss and energy, you'll wonder why these tempos weren't incorporated into songs more often. A pleasant return of Erin Aurich's violin (who appeared on the band's debut album, 'Before We All Go To Pieces'), complements the intense sound perfectly. Not to mention- New drummer, Craig Halliday, who takes the driver's seat as the rest try to keep up. And... They do. Other band members (Stuart, Pete, Owen and Alex) from 'Bitter Hands Resign' return here as well, all of whom are great company for the success of this Canadian band.
Although 'Spirit Flags' and 'Bitter Hands Resign' are well-crafted albums, 'The Millions Too Many' is its own real treat, and shows no dependency on these two previous accomplishments. The song structure can be reminiscent, of course, to earlier works (whether it be signature changes from quiet to loud, or the thoughtfulness of their lyrics), it still stands on its own. What's amazing is how A Northern Chorus has created an album whose songs are now abbreviated (or radio-friendly, if I might say), but can be appreciated just the same as their other masterpieces. The closing track, "Winterize", from 'Bitter Hands Resign' often comes to mind as if it were hinting to the future direction of songs to follow. With all that said, however, it is tempting to comment how 'The Millions Too Many' runs out of steam after the first 5 songs, but that may be because those are tracks that are personal favorites. It truly is an exciting first half, and the second half merely relaxes up a bit, that's all. In a nutshell, for this band to hold onto their roots (without the listener always realizing it) and also try a different approach to album making, they get a firm pat on the back for 'The Millions Too Many'. Nice one, guys!
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Dynamic shoe-gazery rock, April 1, 2007
I'll be honest and admit that I have no idea what these songs are about. The lyrics seem philosophical, conceptual and/or impressionistic; the music, though complex, is more directly tethered to known territory. Vocalist Stuart Livingston has a pleasingly melodic, almost sing-song delivery, which floats above the heavy-yet-ethereal instrumentals. This is an album full of contrast, from the dynamic range of the dense shoe-gazery rock, to the muscular rhythms that are both lightened and intensified by violin and cello. This time out the bands cut their songs down to under six minutes, but they're still long enough to develop crescendos that provide slowly-evolving, song-length contrast. It's a testament to the quality of the melodies, arrangements and performaing that this album can be enjoyed without being able to interpret the lyrics. [©2007 hyperbolium dot com]
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by A Northern Chorus 
