Rawkstar.net

This et Al - Sabbatical

Reviewed by Andreas on 31st May 2006

'Sabbatical' twists and turns, consists of about 6 different parts that go from a mid-tempo, slightly melancholic guitar riff to a massive outro in which the band tells you to "climb a mountain". It's one of those songs that makes it decidedly good to be a music fan, mixing contemporary influences without sounding tired.

The beauty of the Sabbatical EP is that all four tracks on the EP are fresh in their own little ways. The infectious riffs of 'Solemn as my rifle' gel nicely with the electronic production of 'Sometimes Monkeys Fall Out of Trees', and closer 'The Loveliest Alarm' does bring a tear to the eye. It shows a band not afraid to try new things and to push themselves towards those dreaded frontiers of experimentalism (however small).

Still, it is the title track that stands out a mile. Drawing upon the same moods as such acts like Muse might touch upon in inspired moments, 'Sabbatical' is - to quote fellow rawkstar.net writer Dave - just a bit damn good. I've never had much faith in the single format, but This et Al have proved that it is a worthwhile thing to put out if the songs are good enough.

And by heck, these songs are more than worth it.

Rating: 7/10
Website: www.thisetal.com
Buy It Now: amazon.co.uk

Dave says:-

I agree, I love this EP, it has barely been off iTunes since I bought it

31st May 2006 @ 12:46:59 GMT