Review Summary: This is an epic and multi-layered album resulting from the unique and artistic visions of its creators. Rishloo are a band that embody what many hope to find while scouring the Internet for music.
Eidolon marks Rishloo’s ambitious follow-up their 2004 release, Terras Fames. The Seattle four-piece is comprised of vocalist Andrew Mailloux, guitarist David Gillet, bassist Sean Rydquist and drummer Jesse Smith. As of now, they remain unsigned.
The short intro transpires into “Freaks & Animals” without warning, and the song urgently invites a melting pot of listeners to step in line for what promises to be an epic audible experience. On this track, instruments combine to emulate a circus like experience, as the subtle pounding of drums, unique guitar riffs, confident bass lines and haunting lyrics are concurrently unleashed to envelope the attention of listeners. From this point on, the band displays a rare ability to make one truly feel like a part of the story. For instance, by weathering the madness of songs like “Freaks & Animals,” listeners are often afforded short reprieves, if only to watch them slip away.
Those who accepted the band’s original invitation to the “show” will likely come away from each song with a bevy of interpretations. This is likely due to the true complexity and thoughtfulness of the lyrics and music. Each word is carefully selected and emotionally delivered. For example, the angry outburst in “El Empe” is juxtaposed by the calming, yet saddening elegance of harmonies draped over songs like “Pandora”. For example, consider the following verse:
“Cedar grains cling to woven skin upon walls.
I know frail truths feed borrowed dreams grown cold.
And from here I beg, release and hope. I hope.”
There is a consistent struggle between hope and hopelessness on this album and “Pandora” is a paramount example, wherein the above-referenced lyrics are somewhat denounced when the song’s character is able to “step beyond the past and let it go”. This, however, is not the only struggle in the album, as the vocals and their deliveries are able to effectuate many emotional and spiritual viewpoints, including anger, despair, depression etc. There is even a beautiful choral interlude near the middle of the album, where words are not even required.
This is a truly epic album, permeated with artistic styles which will likely appeal to fans of A Perfect Circle, Tool and Dredg. Perhaps, this album’s greatest gift is its ability to make one inspired to deconstruct and analyze the songs, if only to repeat the process next listen. Listening to an album of this caliber will likely remind many of why they still scour for new music.
